Chapter 64 Extra*Stolen Childhood Sweetheart II (Extra conclusion…)

Chapter 64 Extra: The Stolen Childhood Sweetheart Part 2 (End of this extra)...

Qu Lieshan felt a surge of hot blood rise to his throat. He stumbled out, his face utterly drained of color, desperately suppressing the metallic taste in his mouth. He couldn't fathom how, in just a little over ten days—his brief absence—another man had appeared by Rong Rong's side.

That man! Only now did he grasp the meaning of that man's gaze: it was the jealousy and possessiveness of a rival. He clenched his fists, knuckles cracking, yet it did nothing to quell the searing pain in his heart. He returned to his seat as if nothing were amiss, the surrounding clamor a distant hum in his ears.

He watched Rong Rong return, her cheeks flushed like cherries kissed by morning dew, her eyes sparkling. She whispered to him, "Brother Qu, I have something to attend to. I should get going."

He forced a smile and nodded, lacking the courage to even offer to escort her. He feared that a refusal might reveal the truth, signaling the end of everything. He could only watch her leave with a stiff smile. After she departed, he overheard the three young men behind him remark lazily, "Boring, utterly boring. We thought we'd witness some real drama."

Another added, "Who could possibly put on a show in front of Piao Yao?"

The three chuckled and departed with an air of nonchalance, without lingering.

Qu Lieshan's face hardened, his heart turning cold and rigid as stone, only to be brutally shattered once more. That night, he didn't return home. Instead, he spent it pummeling wooden posts at the escort agency until his knuckles bled, yet his resolve remained unshaken. As he stared at the trembling post, it seemed to morph into the face of that young nobleman. A fierce, murderous urge surged within him.

After that day, he didn't seek out Rong Rong but instead inquired about the young nobleman. He learned the man's name was Shen Jichen, courtesy name Piao Yao. When he asked about his background and position, the answers were vague—only that he was from the capital, had come to Hangzhou to join the military, and was now a junior officer under General Chai.

Qu Lieshan listened silently, a faint, disdainful smile playing at the corner of his mouth. He raised his cup and drained it in one gulp. A mere junior officer—nothing to worry about. He was now the head of Hangzhou's largest escort agency, with a reputation and connections throughout the city. He had even purchased a residence on the busiest street, capable of providing Rong Rong with a stable life. How could some inexperienced youth, lacking both rank and prospects, possibly compare to him?

He reassured himself but failed to heed the well-intentioned advice: "I'd advise you, brother, to keep your distance from this Young Master Shen. He is no ordinary man."

Qu Lieshan seemed to regain his confidence. Even if they had shared intimate moments, how could a relationship of mere days compare to the bond he and Rong Rong had cultivated over a decade?

So he reappeared before Rong Rong, inviting her to join him at the birthday banquet of Master Dong, the owner of Xingyuan Escort Agency. Noticing her hesitation, he said, "Master Dong has always looked out for me since childhood, and he's shown you kindness too. We've never missed his birthday before. We should go congratulate him this year."

Rong Rong, having lost both parents at a young age, was deeply grateful by nature. Appealing to her sense of gratitude usually worked. In previous years, she had always attended Master Dong's birthday celebrations with him. Her hesitation this time—he didn't ask why, nor did he wish to associate it with Shen Jichen.

Sure enough, after a moment's pause, Rong Rong agreed cheerfully. She tilted her head and asked, "What gift should I give Master Dong?"

They then discussed the birthday gift for Master Dong together. His heart settled, caught in the illusion of an intimate couple planning together, which only deepened his enchantment.

Master Dong, as the owner of Xingyuan Escort Agency, commanded influence in both legitimate and underground circles. Even the gentry and dignitaries of Hangzhou paid him respect. His birthday banquet was exceptionally grand, attended by high officials like the Governor and Military Governor.

As Master Dong's right-hand man, Qu Lieshan remained by his side, greeting guests. All who came showed him deference. Though a man of martial prowess, he was both strong and meticulous. Dressed as he was today, he exuded a certain nobility. He reflected on his maturity, stability, career success, and growing renown in Hangzhou, coupled with his deep bond with Rong Rong. How could Shen Jichen possibly compare?

He believed Rong Rong might have been temporarily swayed. Once he confessed his feelings, she would surely return to him. Confident, he walked over to Rong Rong, who was conversing with other young ladies, and led her to offer birthday wishes to Master Dong.

He took Rong Rong's hand. Her fingers stiffened slightly, as if to withdraw, but he whispered in time, "There are many people here. Don't let Brother Qu lose face."

Rong Rong hesitated but allowed him to hold her hand. Together, they knelt on the cushions in the hall and bowed to congratulate Master Dong.

The seats of honor were filled with dignitaries. Master Dong sat elevated, laughing heartily, "Excellent, excellent! Here's a red envelope."

Someone joked, "Look at these two—they seem like a young married couple."

Rong Rong's hand, accepting the red envelope, froze for a moment. Her face paled briefly, and she hastily tried to explain, but Master Dong laughed loudly and declared, "Indeed! Lieshan is my right-hand man, and Rong Rong grew up under my watchful eye. They are childhood sweethearts and a good match. Since both lost their parents young, I'll take the liberty today to formally betroth them. What do you say?"

The crowd immediately erupted in agreement.

"What a blessing for them both!"

"Congratulations to the two of you, and to Master Dong!"

Rong Rong's face turned stiff and pale. Qu Lieshan showed no surprise, for he had specifically requested this favor from Master Dong the night before. He believed that with everyone watching, formalizing his and Rong Rong's betrothal would prevent anyone from interfering, and Rong Rong would surely not harshly refuse.

"Master Dong, I..." Rong Rong spoke urgently, but her voice was drowned out by the clamor of congratulations. Qu Lieshan gently pressed her hand.

He whispered tenderly, "Rong Rong, on an occasion like this, don't spoil Master Dong's celebration. If you're unwilling, I'll explain to him later."

"But how can that be? Marriage is a serious matter..." Rong Rong tried to explain, but Qu Lieshan pulled her to her feet. The crowd surrounded them, buzzing with conversation, giving Rong Rong no chance to speak.

As Rong Rong listened to the effusive praise about them being a perfect match, she was about to snap when a deep, authoritative voice cut through all the noise of the banquet's music, the firecrackers, and the clamor of the crowd.

"Oh? Is there some happy news?" The voice, light yet carrying weight, drifted through. No one knew who fell silent first, but gradually the noise subsided until it was completely quiet.

Qu Lieshan looked over, his joyful expression twisting into a frown. He saw Shen Jichen, uninvited, with the same noble demeanor, yet possessing a calm, commanding presence. As Shen Jichen walked forward, composed and majestic, Qu Lieshan had a sudden illusion that Shen Jichen's presence overshadowed even the Military Governor's imposing aura.

Anger welled up inside him. He looked down at Rong Rong, who seemed like a prisoner seeing daylight after long confinement, about to move toward Shen Jichen. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on her hand. Rong Rong glanced at him questioningly. "Brother Qu?" she whispered, signaling him to release her, but he pretended not to hear.

He coldly stared at Shen Jichen, his back straight. "Young man, today is Master Dong's birthday. The guests are all esteemed dignitaries and gentry of the city. You don't seem to be on the guest list. Please leave." He deliberately insulted Shen Jichen in front of Rong Rong, aiming to humiliate him.

Whether it was the term "young man" or the statement itself that offended, not only Shen Jichen but also his attendants and the three young men with him frowned simultaneously.

Shen Jichen lowered his eyes and let out a soft, contemptuous laugh. Qu Lieshan's anger intensified. He stepped forward. "If you're here for a drink, I'll have someone escort you out."

"Qu Lieshan."

"Brother Lieshan."

Two voices spoke at once—the Military Governor and the Governor.

The Military Governor stood and walked over. He glanced at Shen Jichen, as if wanting to say much but only managing, "I invited Young Master Shen."

The hall stared at Shen Jichen in astonishment, scrutinizing him. How could a young man like him have both the Military Governor and the Governor speaking up for him?

Qu Lieshan was stunned and frozen. Shen Jichen's cool gaze swept over him and fixed on Master Dong, showing no respect, even with a disdainful look. "I heard something about a marriage earlier. Whose marriage?"

The Governor also stood. "We were discussing Brother Lieshan and Miss Rong Rong. They are childhood sweethearts, orphaned since young. Master Dong intended to decide for them..."

"Oh?" Shen Jichen's light tone carried authority, and the atmosphere shifted abruptly. The corner of his mouth lifted, but his eyes were cold as frost. "There's no need for anyone to worry about Rong Rong's marriage."

The crowd murmured in shock. The Military Governor and Governor visibly grew tense.

Qu Lieshan stepped forward from the crowd, glaring at him in anger. "Shen Jichen! What do you mean? Rong Rong's matters are not your business!"

Shen Jichen curled his lip in disdain, not even bothering to look at Qu Lieshan. Instead, he gazed at Rong Rong, the frost in his eyes melting. "Rong Rong, come here."

"Rong Rong!" Qu Lieshan stopped her, his anger mixed with anxiety and unease.

Rong Rong glanced at Qu Lieshan. Shen Jichen's calm voice rang out. "Rong Rong, do you wish to marry him?"

Qu Lieshan stared intently at her, unaware of the pleading in his own eyes. He heard Rong Rong say softly, "No, I will not marry him."

For the first time in over ten years, Qu Lieshan felt utterly devastated and frantic.

Just as Master Dong was about to erupt in anger, the Military Governor said solemnly, "In that case, I suggest we let this matter of marriage drop. What does Master Dong think?"

The question made Master Dong's heart sink. He looked at Shen Jichen, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. After a moment, he said, "Very well."

That night, Qu Lieshan drank heavily until he was completely drunk. When he woke again, it was three days later.

Old Chang told him that Rong Rong had come to see him once. His despair eased a little. He thought Rong Rong still cared for him—she must have been overwhelmed that day. He quickly washed up and prepared to see Rong Rong. As he stepped out, he ran into Master Dong, who had come to check on him. He had been staying at the escort agency these past few days.

Master Dong looked at him gravely. "Where are you going?"

"To see Rong Rong."

Old Master Dong's face darkened as he waved his hand. "All of you, leave. I have something to say to Qu Lieshan."

When only Qu Lieshan remained in the room, Old Master Dong said, "Qu Lieshan, you are a talented man. I have always valued you and intended to entrust the future of the escort agency to you. But as for Rong Rong... forget about her."

Qu Lieshan nearly shouted, "Why? You've always supported me and Rong Rong!"

"That was before! I'm doing this for your own good! Rong Rong is out of your league now. That Shen Jichen is not someone to be trifled with—don't throw away your future for a woman!"

Hearing that Shen Jichen was "not someone to be trifled with" seemed to strike a deep blow to Qu Lieshan's pride. For the first time, he showed furious anger toward the elder he had always respected most. "Impossible! I will never give up on Rong Rong!"

He stormed out and rushed straight to Rong Rong's art studio. Ignoring the startled attempts to stop him, he insisted on taking Rong Rong away. By the willow-lined pond, he spoke almost urgently, "Rong Rong, I know what happened that night was Old Master Dong's abruptness—it scared you."

Rong Rong nodded and gave a faint smile. "It did scare me a little."

But he abruptly changed the subject. "Yet what he said came from the bottom of my heart. Rong Rong, I want to marry you, to love and protect you for the rest of my life..."

Rong Rong seemed startled, her face turning pale as if she had been thrown into a terrifying predicament. She shook her head repeatedly. "But you're my Big Brother!"

Qu Lieshan's heart swelled with emotion. "Since when have I been your Big Brother? We only grew up together—I was never your Big Brother! Maybe you can't get used to this idea right away. I can give you time to think it over..."

Rong Rong looked at him, her expression calm and clear, and interrupted him gently. "But I am already married to Shen Jichen."

"What?" He stared at the one he cherished most, feeling both urgency and resentment for the first time. "How is that possible? In such a short time..."

"Last night," Rong Rong said.

Qu Lieshan couldn't accept it; his heart felt like it was being ripped out. He quickly reasoned, "No, it's because you didn't know my feelings for you. What does he have that I don't in such a short time? Now that you know how I feel, go back and divorce him..."

Rong Rong looked at him as if he were absurd and stated emphatically, "But I love him. Even if I had known your feelings earlier, I would still love him."

Qu Lieshan felt as if he had been bludgeoned repeatedly, leaving him dizzy and disoriented. Almost violently, he grabbed her and bellowed in fury, "What about me? What am I supposed to do?" Like a drowning man clutching at a lifeline, he pleaded with Rong Rong, "Rong Rong, we've shared over a decade of history. Do they mean nothing to you?"

Rong Rong said solemnly, "You will always be my Big Brother."

So clear, so merciless—it shattered all of Qu Lieshan's hopes. In that moment, he wished he could grind Shen Jichen to dust, and for an instant, he even hated Rong Rong intensely. How could she stop loving him just like that?

Before he could even challenge Shen Jichen to a duel, he was assigned a new escort mission that kept him away for twenty days. During that journey, he acted like a man possessed—any bandits who attacked met with death, leaving no survivors, not even children, horrifying the other escorts.

Every day, he pondered how to win Rong Rong back. But when he returned to Hangzhou, he learned that Rong Rong had been placed under house arrest by Shen Jichen. While furious, he felt a faint glimmer of schadenfreude.

It was a surge of triumphant energy, the thrill of revenge. In the end, Shen Jichen was still untrustworthy, and Rong Rong would ultimately be his.

He rescued Rong Rong, and Shen Jichen pursued them. Qu Lieshan intended to kill Shen Jichen in the chaos, but Shen Jichen's attendant was too skilled. Unable to strike, he deliberately took an arrow, hoping to make Rong Rong feel sorry for him. Sure enough, Rong Rong, in anger, spoke harsh words to Shen Jichen. Watching Shen Jichen kneel on the ground, severely injured and pale, begging Rong Rong not to leave, Qu Lieshan felt his chest surge with excitement, his blood boiling. If Rong Rong hadn't pulled him away, his sword would have pierced Shen Jichen's heart.

But it didn't matter anymore. None of it mattered. Shen Jichen wasn't dead, but he could no longer stand in their way. Now, Shen Jichen was the heartless villain, and Qu Lieshan was the hero who had saved Rong Rong.

"Rong Rong, a noble like him has no real sincerity. He only ever wanted to possess you. I'm a man—I can tell he never truly loved you."

On the way to Gusu, he repeatedly planted these thoughts in Rong Rong, watching her grow more resentful of Shen Jichen each day. He felt increasingly confident.

"Rong Rong, for you, I'm willing to give up everything in Hangzhou. Once we reach Gusu, we can start over completely."

His injuries worsened on and off, making Rong Rong feel heartache and guilt. He believed that as long as he stayed by her side, he would eventually win her over.

Just when he was feeling assured, they met Ge Peilan, a gentle and generous woman, the daughter of the chief escort of the Leizhen Escort Agency in Gusu. She and Rong Rong became fast friends, and she treated Rong Rong exceptionally well. Qu Lieshan could also tell that she liked him.

But he didn't like her; in fact, he loathed her for interfering when Rong Rong relied solely on him. As Rong Rong grew less dependent on him, he began scheming to get rid of Ge Peilan.

Then, one day, Rong Rong asked him happily, "Brother Qu, what do you think of Sister Peilan?"

His heart jolted, and he stared intently at her. "What do you mean?"

Rong Rong said, "She likes you. Sister Peilan is a good woman and a suitable match for you..."

He saw the look in her eyes, eager to be rid of him, and sprang to his feet. "Rong Rong, I will never want anyone but you!"

Rong Rong's expression turned stern, losing its usual gentleness. "Brother Qu, I don't want you to say such things anymore. You will always be my Big Brother. I think I will leave Gusu..."

Qu Lieshan panicked. He saw the resolve in Rong Rong's eyes and understood that she had decided not to love Shen Jichen anymore but also not to stay with him. Her earlier encouragement for him to settle down at the Leizhen Escort Agency was just her way of securing his "future."

He could even see that she still had lingering feelings for Shen Jichen.

In that moment, he realized he would ultimately lose Rong Rong. So he compromised. "Then give me some time to think."

He saw Rong Rong breathe a sigh of relief. In the following days, he tried to get along with Ge Peilan, even displaying closeness in front of Rong Rong to reassure her. Over time, he and Ge Peilan began discussing marriage. Rong Rong's eyes shone with happiness, which pierced his heart and made him more determined to carry out his plan.

When he noticed Rong Rong planning to leave, he didn't force her to stay this time. He only said, "At least stay for your Big Brother and sister-in-law's wedding celebration before you go."

Rong Rong replied playfully, "Of course!"

That wedding never took place. Qu Lieshan hired bandits to kidnap Rong Rong, then used the escort silver as ransom to rescue her. He knew Rong Rong well—he would bind her to him with an unbreakable debt of gratitude.

Sure enough, on the day Rong Rong returned, she saw him severely beaten and expelled from the escort agency. Overwhelmed with guilt, she embraced him.

He purposely leaked information to Rong Rong that the government was recruiting painters. To repay his debts, Rong Rong volunteered without hesitation. Qu Lieshan then bribed a clerk to change Rong Rong's appointment letter into an indenture contract for the Sinan Quarter. Once she fell into the lowly status, she and Shen Jichen would have no future.

Beyond gratitude, he also ensured that he would fall into ruin for Rong Rong's sake. From then on, she would never be able to abandon him. Everything went according to his plan, smoothly. He even brought the clerk before Rong Rong and staged a confession scene.

The clerk said, "Someone higher up gave the order." Those few words quickly led Rong Rong to suspect Shen Jichen's mother.

Her hatred for Shen Jichen's betrayal and her guilt toward Qu Lieshan grew in tandem. Even from prison, he could still control Rong Rong.

Even if she didn't love him yet, she couldn't bring herself to leave him—now or ever.

But the one thing he miscalculated was the depth of Shen Jichen's feelings for Rong Rong, which exceeded his imagination. He could only take Rong Rong away. Watching her plan a bright future for him, he smiled with irony. *Rong Rong, in this lifetime, you will never escape me.*

When Shen Jichen laid everything out before Rong Rong and she still chose to leave with Qu Lieshan, he was ecstatic. In that moment, he thought, *Finally, finally, Rong Rong has realized she loves me.*

He exhausted all his energy fleeing with Rong Rong, only to be met with her resolve. Her gaze was icy, devoid of warmth or guilt. Knowing all was lost, he grew increasingly ferocious.

Hearing her declare with conviction, "He will definitely come," the love in her eyes shattered his three years of planning and hard work! Enraged, he felt blood rush to his head, wanting to strangle her on the spot!

As Shen Jichen closed in with imposing authority, Qu Lieshan could no longer tell whether he loved Rong Rong more or hated Shen Jichen more!

Killing intent surged. At this critical moment, he still shifted the soft sword at Rong Rong's neck by an inch. The cold blade Shen Jichen shot pierced through his chest. Watching blood gush out, everything seemed to stop.

He couldn't even ask, "Did you ever love me?"—he could only watch as Shen Jichen held the woman he had loved his entire life, heartbroken and full of pity.

But he didn't need to ask, because he knew the answer.

＊＊

He remembered his childhood, working as a servant in a wealthy household. Once, after making a mistake, he was severely beaten by his master. It was six-year-old Rong Rong who rushed out, painting a picture that pleased the master and saved him.

Back then, Rong Rong was just a painting attendant to the young lady, yet she shone with pride and confidence, unexpectedly carving a place in his heart. From that day on, he always looked after her, acting as her personal protector.

He accompanied her watching operas and plays. When the performance depicted a life-saving grace repaid with marriage, his heart stirred slightly, and he joked, "Isn't that like us?"

Thirteen-year-old Rong Rong giggled. "That's just fiction, for entertainment. How can you believe it, Big Brother? People will laugh at you."

When they saw a male character betray his love, he secretly vowed, "If it were me, I would never treat someone I love like that."

Sixteen-year-old Rong Rong still laughed. "Me neither. If I had a beloved, I would love only him for the rest of my life."

Back then, he never imagined that "him" would not be himself.