Chapter 54: A Coincidence, or Not

Zhao Kai, upon hearing that Zhou Chengwang had arrived, immediately sent someone to fetch him. That fellow loved to wander about, and if he got himself into trouble, the head estate master and the others would surely have another bout of scolding. Zhao Kai’s foresight proved true, for Zhou Chengwang had indeed gotten himself into trouble.

Somehow, he had gotten drunk in a tavern, lost control, and smashed up the place in a fit of madness. No one recognized him nor knew he belonged to the Erxian Estate, so they wasted no time in detaining him, intent on teaching him a lesson.

Fortunately, Zhao Kai arrived just in time. Seeing Zhou Chengwang, drunken beyond measure and still threatening to hit people, Zhao Kai felt a headache coming on.

If you can’t drink, don’t pretend you can. There’s no need to act tough.

“Boss, this is my friend. I apologize for the broken wine; I’ll pay for it,” Zhao Kai said.

The tavern owner, upon seeing Zhao Kai, hurried over with a smile. “Young Master Zhao, you’re too gracious. The wine is of little value; how could I let you pay? I’ve heard you’re soon to be married. I was thinking of sending you a few extra jars to congratulate you.”

Zhao Kai waved his hand. “You’re too kind. Come join us for my wedding feast.”

“Gladly!”

Zhao Kai was a figure of the highest standing, yet he carried himself without airs, treating everyone equally. All in Jinghong County admired him deeply.

Zhou Chengwang, though drunk, noticed the stark difference in how people treated him versus Zhao Kai, and his sense of injustice surged anew.

He grabbed a wine jar beside him and hurled it, but Zhao Kai was quick and dodged.

“What foolishness is this?” Zhao Kai muttered.

Seeing Zhou Chengwang about to throw another, Zhao Kai struck him with a swift hand, knocking him out cold.

Looking at the drunken mess before him, Zhao Kai shook his head. The heartbroken truly are frightening. He turned to carry him.

“Young Master Zhao... no need for you to carry this drunkard yourself. Let me send someone to deliver him to your estate,” the tavern owner said hurriedly.

“No need, I’ll do it.”

Zhou Chengwang was the cherished treasure of the Erxian Estate. If he were injured in any way, Zhao Kai would be at fault. Besides, Zhou Chengwang’s drunken state was probably related to him; the marriage with Yan’er must have hit him hard.

With a helpless sigh, Zhao Kai left, carrying Zhou Chengwang.

Zhou Chengwang, for his part, had ceased his drunken rampage and lay quietly as they made their way. Upon reaching the Zhao residence, Zhao Yan’er saw her brother carrying someone and hurried out to greet him.

“Brother, why are you carrying him yourself? Isn’t it tiring?”

“Not at all.”

Zhao Kai set Zhou Chengwang down. “He’s drunk, so I’ll take care of him. You go get some rest.”

---

Zhao Yan’er was unwilling. “Brother, he’s not a child. He doesn’t need you to look after him... you promised to spend time with me.”

He did promise her, but Zhou Chengwang was, after all, his responsibility. He’d pledged to the estate master to look after him; he couldn’t go back on his word.

“Be good, Yan’er. If you don’t want to sleep alone, go find Fei’er.”

Ever since that night, Zhao Kai had taken special care of Fei’er’s delicate health. Aside from applying medicine and massage, he rarely touched her, wanting her to rest more.

Though dissatisfied, Zhao Yan’er could only leave obediently.

Lin Fei’er, seeing her upset, comforted her. “Yan’er, our husband is doing this for your sake.”

“For my sake?”

“Yes. Young Master Zhou cares deeply for you, and our husband knows it. Your marriage must have been a heavy blow to him. The two are friends, and our husband doesn’t wish for awkwardness or future discord between you. To avoid trouble later, he’ll surely help resolve Zhou’s feelings.”

Lin Fei’er’s reasoning was sound, and Zhao Yan’er felt gratified. “You’re the best, Fei’er. No wonder brother always comes to you when he’s troubled.”

“You tease me.”

“Not at all…”

The two women settled down contentedly, while Zhao Kai ordered someone to prepare a sobering soup and rested on a couch outside.

Even heroes fall before beauty. Seeing Zhou Chengwang so heartbroken, Zhao Kai truly felt sorry for him.

But there was nothing else to be done; Zhou would have to accept reality eventually.

After pondering for a bit, Zhao Kai fell into a deep sleep. In the latter half of the night, Zhou Chengwang awoke to find himself in an unfamiliar place, his head aching, and quickly got up to look around.

Seeing Zhao Kai lying outside, with an unfinished bowl of sobering soup on the table, Zhou felt a pang of discomfort.

Both grown men, and though he was two years younger, it was hardly necessary for Zhao Kai to personally care for him. Couldn’t he have just sent a couple of maids?

“You’re awake?” Zhao Kai rubbed his eyes, looked at Zhou Chengwang, and asked, “Do you know who I am?”

“Yes. Zhao Kai.”

“Not too muddled, then. I’ve had them prepare hot water; if you’re uncomfortable, go take a bath.”

Zhao Kai spoke as he rose and headed to his room to sleep. Zhou Chengwang called after him, “Brother Zhao, do you think I…”

He bit his lip, unable to finish the sentence.

“Think you what?”

“Nothing. Get some rest.”

---

Zhao Kai thought for a moment and said, “Don’t dwell on it. If you don’t want to stay here, go wherever you please. A man has plenty left to do.”

With that, he patted Zhou’s shoulder in encouragement.

Yet, such encouragement, at this moment, felt like a bitter mockery. Zhou Chengwang was left with an indescribable discomfort.

Zhao Kai, exhausted, failed to notice Zhou’s expression. Returning to his room, he saw his two beloved women nestled together asleep, and his heart softened.

He kissed their brows and smiled.

Fei’er was the first to wake, delighted to see him. “Husband, you’re back?”

“Yes.”

He lay beside her, embracing Fei’er. “Does your body still hurt?”

Lin Fei’er blushed and murmured, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Zhao Kai kissed her lips. “That’s good.”

Lin Fei’er snuggled into his arms, and perhaps her movement was too much, for Zhao Yan’er woke as well. Seeing the two embracing, she grumbled, “I want to join too,” and squeezed in between them.

Zhao Kai chuckled, wrapping both in his arms. Fortunately, the bed was large and not cramped; the two women looked pleased, comfortably nestled at his neck and shoulder.

Staring at the bed curtain, Zhao Kai felt these days of happiness were like a dream.

He hoped life would remain so blissful forever.

The next morning, only Zhao Yan’er remained in his arms; Fei’er had gone to prepare breakfast. Yan’er lingered, savoring the warmth and presence of her man, unwilling to leave.

“Enough, don’t laze in bed. People will laugh,” Zhao Kai said helplessly.

“Who would dare laugh at me? Everyone knows I belong to Brother, sooner or later.”

“That’s true.”

But with Zhou Chengwang present, Zhao Kai wanted to spare him any further pain, to avoid provoking him, so he coaxed Yan’er out of bed.

After all, Zhou had come specifically to see him; he couldn’t further wound someone still shadowed by heartbreak.

Zhao Kai dressed and went to the courtyard to clear his mind and read, but Zhao Yan’er wouldn’t let up, insisting on climbing onto his lap.

Zhao Kai could only hold her, letting her sit on his knee. Yet, after a short while, his restraint faltered, and he began kissing her lips.

Zhou Chengwang, after a morning of contemplation, resolved to speak with Zhao Kai. But as he stepped into the courtyard, he was met with this scene...