"One million taels instead of three for one share," Jun Mo Xie said lazily, reclining in his chair as though the fate of an empire wasn't hanging in the conversation. His fingers casually circled the rim of his wine cup. "I'm only giving you this bargain because I like you, Prince Huai Nong."
The room went completely still. Even the playful clinks of wine cups paused. One million taels — a discount of two-thirds — and he called it a favor? It was audacious. Arrogant. Completely outrageous. And yet, no one dared laugh, because Jun Mo Xie wasn't joking.
Yang Huai Nong stiffened for the briefest of moments. A twitch at the corner of his lips betrayed his inner turmoil. He took a deep breath and let out a laugh, soft at first, then louder — and eventually, it turned into a full-bodied chuckle. "You, Jun Mo Xie, are really a great businessman. One million taels it is. If anything, I am buying a dream, a wine will take the entire kingdom by storm."
"That's the spirit." Jun Mo Xie flashed a lazy grin and then leaned over to Yang Mo, the young boy sitting wide-eyed next to his father.
Lowering his voice into a conspiratorial whisper, Jun Mo Xie said, "Little sister Yang Mo, from today onwards, you're a shareholder in my wine empire. You and I are partners now."
"I'M A MAN!!!" Yang Mo exploded with the righteous fury of a ten-year-old whose masculinity had just been insulted for the hundredth time.
The tavern burst into laughter.
Solitary Falcon nearly fell out of his chair. Feng Juanyun covered his mouth with his sleeve to contain his chuckles, and even the usually solemn Old Song snorted into the wine he was serving.
"I believe him!" Feng Juanyun said, nudging the boy's soft cheeks with a finger. "Such fury! Such righteous indignation! That's definitely a man in the making… a very delicate, porcelain-skinned, pretty little man."
Yang Mo's face turned the color of a ripe tomato, and he banged the table. "Brother Mo Xie! You're bullying me again!"
Jun Mo Xie waved a hand dismissively. "We'll discuss your gender identity after puberty. For now, consider this your first lesson in business — you're in, whether you like it or not."
With a flourish, he rose to his feet and addressed the group. "Ladies and gentlemen, Old Song will relay the details of the auction when they're finalized. For now, enjoy the wine, enjoy each other's company, and do remember to drink until your tongues loosen and your secrets slip out."
He turned to Old Song, who bowed respectfully. "Master, I shall guard your legacy like my own life."
"You better," Jun Mo Xie smirked. "Or I'll ferment you in one of the barrels."
With that, he turned and made his way toward the exit. But the moment he stepped into the street, his face changed. His lighthearted demeanor faded, replaced by calm focus.
He walked slowly, casually, his every step measured — not out of fatigue, but vigilance.
The city was peaceful. Too peaceful.
A breeze stirred the dust of the street. From the shadow of a far-off alley, a faint whistling sound came.
It was soft — almost like the wind whistling through bamboo — but Jun Mo Xie recognized it immediately. It was not the wind.
His lips curved upward in a subtle smile. He didn't even look up.
"Come out. You're late."
From the shadows stepped a woman cloaked in flowing black robes. A black veil covered her face, but her poise was unmistakable — graceful, lethal, confident. As the wind tugged at her veil, it fluttered upward just enough to reveal two sharp, brilliant eyes: cool, intelligent, and deeply familiar.
Chu Yue'er.
She strode forward and stopped in front of him, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips beneath the veil. "Don't act like you weren't anticipating me."
"I was," Jun Mo Xie replied, his voice low and amused. "You always bring the scent of blood and perfume."
Chu Yue'er snorted, biting her lower lip seductively. "As expected, you're still charming in the most irritating ways."
"Was that your heart skipping a beat just now?" Mo Xie teased, stepping a little closer. "Don't worry, it happens to most women."
Chu Yue'er narrowed her eyes and jabbed a finger at his chest. "The only thing skipping is my patience."
He laughed, genuinely amused. "Alright, alright. What did he say?"
She turned serious instantly. "Just as we predicted. He received word of your movements. The assassination attempt will happen at the intersection up ahead."
"Mm." Jun Mo Xie nodded, already knowing this would happen. "He really does love you, doesn't he? To go so far… to go against his family, just for you."
Before he could finish that sardonic thought, Chu Yue'er suddenly stepped forward, fast and unhesitating, and kissed him.
It was hard.
Her hands gripped the front of his robes as her lips locked with his, silencing whatever mockery he had been about to voice. Her body pressed against his as if trying to melt into him, lips soft yet firm, warm and defiant.
The kiss wasn't just passion — it was a declaration.
She pulled back slowly, eyes flashing with pride and playfulness. "There. Sealed with a kiss. You talk too much, Master~"
Jun Mo Xie blinked, lips still tingling. "…Well damn."
Chu Yue'er smirked and tilted her head. "I belong to you. I've made my choice. So I don't care who he is or what position he holds. I will never belong to another man. Ever."
"…You just made this a lot more dangerous," Jun Mo Xie muttered, but his heart pounded in ways it hadn't in years. "You realize that, don't you?"
"I've always been dangerous," She said sweetly. "You're just lucky I like you."
He shook his head and gave her a sideways glance. "Fine. No more acting. Head back to the Jun Manor. Use the secret path."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're going to confront him?"
"I'm going to end the game." His tone was suddenly cold, sharp as the tip of a blade. "If he wants to kill me for the sake of a woman, he should have made sure she doesn't love me more."
Chu Yue'er sighed. "Do you think it will be a bit ruthless to him?"
"Well, one day it is going to be revealed to him anyway." Mo Xie met her gaze, steel flashing in his eyes. "So, why can't it be tonight?"
She hesitated — for just a moment — before placing her hand on his. "Be careful."
"I'm always careful." He turned and walked away, but just as he reached the edge of the alley, he paused. "Oh, and Yue'er?"
She looked up.
"Next time you kiss me like that… don't stop so soon."
He disappeared with a smirk, his robes fluttering like shadows in the wind, leaving Chu Yue'er staring after him, her cheeks just a shade redder than before.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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