[Chapter 544: Bingbing-Jinglei Duo]
Six days later, with a bountiful harvest of achievements, Linton concluded his journey through Puelenje. The group would be embarking on the next leg of their tour. At Linton's persuasion, Aunt Kelly also joined them to experience the breathtaking natural wonders of Cocora Valley, the Cano Cristales, and the unique, ancient charm of Ciudad Perdida or 'The Lost City'.
However, there was a minor complication. Linton had initially planned for Li Bingbing to accompany him in Puelenje for six days, then for Xu Jinglei to join him for another six days -- an arrangement he thought would be fair to both.
On the last night in Puelenje, after an intense night together, Linton handed Li Bingbing a bottle of beauty pills.
"Bingbing, thank you for making these past few days in Puelenje so wonderful. Do you know how to use these beauty pills?"
"I've seen reports about it in newspapers and magazines. Does it really work as well as they say?"
"Yes, this is the beauty pill, and it works even better than what they say. It's a gift for you."
"I can't accept it -- it's too expensive. I read it costs around $100,000 a bottle, and it's nearly impossible to get."
"It's fine. It's from me -- just take it."
"Thank you, darling. You're too good to me. Muah..."
"Do you know how to use it?"
"I've heard about it but don't know if it's true. There should be instructions inside?"
"Yes, just follow the instructions."
"Sweetheart, are you heading back to the U.S. next?"
"No, I'm going to travel around the country."
"Can I come with you then?"
"But didn't we agree you'd only accompany me in Puelenje for six days?"
"I just can't bear to leave you."
"Bingbing, honestly, I've already arranged a companion for the next trip."
"Oh? Who? Can I know?"
"Sure, Xu Jinglei -- you probably know her."
"So it's her? What's your relationship with her? Are you two--?"
"Exactly. It's the same kind of relationship we have."
"You bad guy, how could you? No way, I have to go then."
"Aren't you afraid of the awkwardness?"
"What's there to be afraid of? As long as she's not awkward, neither am I. Besides, I'm the primary companion -- she'd only be second."
Li Bingbing's words made Linton hesitate -- not because he feared any love triangle. He had experienced many women traveling with him. But, if Li Bingbing and Xu Jinglei traveled with him simultaneously, the trip could be uncomfortable, especially for Aunt Kelly, who wouldn't appreciate seeing him with two women at once.
"Darling, please let me come with you. We only meet once a year -- let me spend more time with you. Bingbing will behave." Seeing Linton's hesitation, Li Bingbing cuddled up to him, applying a charming pout.
Seeing her pitiful appeal, Linton relented. "Alright. But I remind you -- you need to avoid conflicts with Xu Jinglei."
"I promise no fights -- we'll get along."
"Good. Remember that."
"So, dear, you agree I'm coming?"
"Fine. I'll make a couple of calls to add you to the itinerary."
After the call to Aunt Kelly's assistant, Li Bingbing pressed close to Linton, offering a sweet kiss. "You're too good, darling."
The joyous, playful tune echoed again.
...
The next day, the group landed in El Edén International Airport in Armenia. Waiting at the exit was Xu Jinglei, dressed casually in a sporty outfit -- simple T-shirt and denim shorts paired with white sneakers -- looking fresh and youthful. On spotting Linton, she dashed into his arms, leaving Aunt Kelly stunned. Aunt Kelly glanced at Li Bingbing beside her, then back at the other pretty young woman clinging to Linton, silently shaking her head at his notorious womanizing.
After brief introductions, Xu Jinglei immediately showed open hostility toward Li Bingbing, gripping Linton's arm possessively. Fortunately, Li Bingbing had braced herself and greeted Xu calmly, taking her place quietly by Linton's side.
Still, private glances exchanged between the two women sparked intense rivalry. Linton paid no mind to their feelings and approached another man holding a large sign reading "Welcome, Mr. Linton." This was the guide arranged as part of the team; the team only had a one driver, and a guide for the trip, and would be travelling in a Coach bus.
...
Cocora Valley's scenery truly lived up to its reputation, enchanting the group. But the rivalry between Li Bingbing and Xu Jinglei simmered beneath the surface. From the moment they boarded the bus, Xu sat close to Linton, shooting taunting looks at Li Bingbing, who bristled quietly.
Throughout the journey, they competed fiercely, each locking her arm around Linton's, not willing to let go. Linton tried to convince them to give him space and walk on their own, but they ignored him completely.
At mealtime, the women sat on either side of Linton, eagerly feeding him, picking fish bones, peeling shrimp. Their attentiveness even made Aunt Kelly a little uncomfortable. Luckily, all meals took place in private rooms free from onlookers.
Evenings surprised Linton further. After dinner, both women naturally followed him into his hotel room. Xu Jinglei, already anxious, pushed Li Bingbing aside and threw herself into Linton's arms. "Darling, tonight you belong to me. Shouldn't Li Bingbing go back to her own room?"
Before Linton could answer, Li Bingbing spoke up. "Why do you get to claim Linton? I'm much closer to him than you are."
"Of course he belong to me. Linton promised to travel with me. You joined later -- you should step back."
"I'm close to Linton, which is why I came. Why should I give way to you? I think you should go to your own room."
Though irritated by the brewing argument, Linton remained calm. He had seen similar scenes many times.
"Enough. Don't fight. Here's the choice: Either both of you go to your own rooms or both stay here."
Embarrassed, they hesitated. "You want us both to stay?"
"Yes. That way there's no quarrel. If you really can't take it, then just leave."
"I'm not leaving."
"Me neither."
"Since neither of you is leaving, don't argue. Let's play a game, okay?"
"What kind of game?"
"Drinking poker. Loser drinks more or takes off an article of clothing. How about that?"
Xu Jinglei playfully tapped Linton's arm. "You devil. Fine, I'm in."
"Me too."
The duo unleashed a night of pleasure that made Linton feel as if he were flying.
...
The next morning, Aunt Kelly was shocked to see Li Bingbing and Xu Jinglei enter the dining hall with rosy cheeks and radiant eyes, each arm linked confidently with Linton's.
Over the following days, the two actresses maintained their close hold on Linton, but noticeably without the previous hostility and tension. Their rivalry softened into a sisterly bond, leaving Aunt Kelly both amazed and amused.
Linton continued enjoying the stunning scenery, basking in the fortune of having both women by his side -- until the six-day trip ended. This time, Linton would be travelling to Hong Kong, and they would no longer follow.
On the final night, Bingbing and Jinglei unleashed a frenzy of passion, showcasing every skill in their repertoire. The sweet, joyful melodies echoed throughout the hotel till dawn.
When it came time to part, Linton treated Xu Jinglei with the same generous gift of beauty pills. Moved, she collapsed into his arms, tears streaming down her face. Li Bingbing, equally emotional, also threw herself into his embrace, sobbing openly.
Holding one in each arm, Linton gently soothed them. "Enough sadness. It's not like we won't stay in touch. If you miss me, just call."
...
After the heartfelt farewell, on August 3, Linton and his party boarded a plane to Hong Kong.
Xu Qing had completed her scenes in Coming and Going, and waiting at the airport alongside her was Lin Hao.
After lunch, the group split up: Xu Qing and Aunt Kelly went shopping, while Linton and Lin Hao headed to the Quartz Processing Factory.
There, Linton placed a massive $80 million order for 40 tons of common quartz, to be shipped within six months to Montana.
The Puelenje trip had rewarded him richly with merit energy, fueling his motivation to advance to the Celestial Presence stage. He began planning a larger-scale lightning protection array for his forthcoming tribulation of ascending to the Astral Dominion stage.
This stocked quartz would be the foundation for a new spirit-gathering array after he passed his next trial. He ordered so early because after surviving his Celestial Presence tribulation, some quartz remained and was buried beneath the array's center in his garden.
He recently sensed the quartz improving in quality under spiritual energy's nurture. While the array didn't demand the highest quartz grade, better material strengthened its effect.
This optimistic discovery led him to bulk-purchase quartz in advance, to bury beneath his estate's grounds for the next array.
He'd also wanted to buy some fine quartz bracelets -- for Aunt Kelly, who tirelessly advanced his charity foundation and might face unforeseen dangers, and for Hillary, who, if she agreed to bear his child, needed protective measures.
Quartz pendants would have been too sensitive a gift, already associated with his harem's exclusive accessories. High-quality quartz bracelets were a safer, versatile option to bear magical formations.
Unfortunately, the factory had no exquisite bracelets, forcing him to seek other suppliers.
...
With time still early at 4 p.m., Linton and Lin Hao set out to the antique market.
As before, they split up to cover ground and agreed to meet back at 6:30 p.m.
Linton strolled through shop after shop, searching for rare cultivation materials but found nothing related to supernatural enhancement.
In the end, he returned to the jeweler who sold him the quartz pendants previously, purchasing 20 top-grade white quartz amulets and 20 supreme quality white quartz bracelets.
The amulets now cost about 5500 yuan, about 700 USD each, while the bracelets were pricier at 25,000 yuan, about 3200 USD apiece.
Some emerald green imperial quartz bracelets worth 500,000 yuan, 62500 USD each were also tempting but, after careful spiritual scans, Linton found them unsuitable for array formations compared to the white quartz.
That night, he gifted one carved quartz formation bracelet to Aunt Kelly, instructing her never to remove it. Deeply moved, she forgave him all his flirtations on the trip.
...
The next day, he and Lin Hao visited the resort to inspect forty newly hired young women and Li Weicai -- the candidate who narrowly lost a cooking audition previously.
Li Weicai's culinary skills were comparable to Suarez Shijie, but only one spot was available. Later, Li Weicai's cooking became missed by the women back at the garden.
Intent on expanding his culinary team at the estate, Linton arranged for Li Weicai's four-person team to attend English training with the other girls.
Fortunately, all these women were exceptional in appearance and charm, making swift progress in etiquette and English over eight to nine weeks, improving daily communication.
With Cristiana, Monica, and Sophie Marceau all expecting babies by mid to late August, getting enough staff ready was urgent.
He decided to end training early and keep Li Xiaoran until travel documents were arranged so the new staff and Li Weicai's team could head to America as soon as possible.
...
On the afternoon of August 4, Linton, Xu Qing, Aunt Kelly, security, and Secretary of Commerce inspection team reunited.
Secretary of Commerce Mickey Kantor, relieved to see Linton and his team returned safely, grasped Linton's hand warmly and praised him repeatedly.
For over ten tense days, Mickey Kantor had worried nonstop, though Secret Service agents Steve and Hanst kept him updated nightly. Still, being so far from home made him uneasy.
The group then boarded a plane together, heading back to Washington.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/HjHHhUXPn7.