Divide and conquer
"The whole night?"
He pondered the word in his mind, uttering each syllable.
He didn't leave all night—that was Zhang Xiande's bedroom, a place where no one was allowed to set foot without permission. But now, because You Jiale was drunk, he kept him there all night.
He slowly turned around and went back into the room. He swept the teacup off the table, shattering it and splashing tea stains everywhere.
"What is he? Just a... stray dog." He gritted his teeth and muttered these words in a low voice, his voice already filled with twisted hatred.
He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, sat back down at his desk, and his eyes were as cold as an icy pool.
He couldn't understand what Zhang Xiande saw in You Jiale.
Is it that pretty face? Is it that petty cleverness? Or is it that obsequious demeanor?
He was unwilling to accept it. He was even more resentful.
Since you insist on taking it from me, then I'll grant your wish.
"Send this letter to 'Le Ji' and put it in the file he reads every day," he instructed his personal servant, his tone somber and calm.
"yes."
Pei Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes slightly, a gentle smile returning to his lips, but a malicious glint flashed in his eyes.
Soon, a seemingly ordinary letter was delivered to You Jiale. The envelope was addressed to "You Jiale". Somewhat puzzled, You Jiale picked up the letter, opened it, and saw that the handwriting and tone were somewhat familiar. It said that Zhang Xiande had suddenly suggested a private gathering with him at a secluded restaurant outside the city, and that You Jiale's favorite dishes and drinks had been prepared; he hoped You Jiale would do him the honor. It was signed Zhang Xiande.
You Jiale looked at the letter, filled with suspicion. Zhang Xiande had made several advances recently, all of which he had politely declined with various excuses. Why would he suddenly switch to this method? And even write a letter? This was really unlike Zhang Xiande's style. Or had he been rejected so many times that he was too embarrassed to face him anymore, and by writing a letter he wouldn't have to see his rejection again?
He was eager to know what Zhang Xiande was thinking, and what his purpose was in approaching him. Perhaps this was a good opportunity. With a mix of wariness and curiosity, You Jiale decided to go and meet this old fox.
As evening fell, You Jiale arrived at the somewhat secluded restaurant outside the city, following the address given in the letter. He entered the reserved private room and found several exquisite dishes and a pot of warm wine laid out inside, the air filled with an enticing aroma. However, the room was empty.
"What are you playing?" You Jiale raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. He glanced around the private room, finding nothing amiss. He pulled up a chair and sat down, not in a hurry to leave.
"Since the food and drinks are all set out, but the person isn't showing up, does that mean I have to wait?"
As he spoke, he poured himself a glass of wine, took a small sip, and said nothing more. He simply leaned back in his chair, his expression indifferent, as if he had really just come to an ordinary dinner party.
Meanwhile, at the Pei residence, Pei Zhiyuan toyed with a piece of black jade paperweight in his hand, smiled slightly, and accepted his subordinate's report with satisfaction: "The person has arrived at the private room, and the dishes and wine have been arranged as instructed."
“Very good.” Pei Zhiyuan’s tone was extremely calm, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, but a smile slowly rose up, like a venomous snake poised to strike.
"Where is Lord He?"
"The letter has also been sent; it is an imitation of Mr. You's handwriting."
Upon hearing this, Pei Zhiyuan finally raised his eyes, his smile deepening: "Then let's wait for him to enter the game."
When He Mingzhou received the letter, he was overjoyed. Although he had met You Jiale a few times and felt that she also had a good impression of him, this was the first time he had received an invitation from You Jiale, especially one for them to meet alone. This made him start to have all sorts of fantasies.
Had You Jiale finally realized his feelings? Or had he grown tired of subservient to Zhang Xiande and wanted to seek a new source of support? Either way, He Mingzhou felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. He immediately dressed up carefully and set off for the appointment with a joyful heart.
When He Mingzhou pushed open the door to the private room, the scene before him stunned him. The room was dimly lit, filled with a faint smell of alcohol and an indescribable, ambiguous atmosphere. You Jiale was slumped against the table, her face flushed, her breathing rapid, and her clothes disheveled, seemingly out of her mind.
He Mingzhou's heart sank, a sense of foreboding washing over him. What was going on? Was You Jiale drunk? He rushed forward, wanting to help You Jiale up, but saw that her eyes were glazed and unfocused, and she was muttering something to herself, which didn't seem like a normal state of intoxication.
"Jiale? Jiale, wake up?" He Mingzhou gently patted You Jiale's cheek, trying to wake him up.
However, You Jiale seemed not to hear him at all, staring blankly ahead, uttering indistinct groans, and fidgeting with her collar as if she was feeling unbearably hot.
Suspicion began to creep into He Mingzhou's mind, and he vaguely realized that something might be wrong. Could it be... that he had been drugged? This thought made He Mingzhou's expression change, and he immediately became alert, looking around for any suspicious signs.
Just then, You Jiale suddenly raised his head, his hazy gaze falling on He Mingzhou's face. As if he had seen a lifeline, he grabbed He Mingzhou's arm and his voice carried a hint of pain: "Help me... I feel so bad..." As he spoke, he even started to tear at his clothes haphazardly, revealing his fair skin.
He Mingzhou was completely stunned. He stared at You Jiale, disheveled and dazed, unsure how to react. He tried to calm himself, attempting to assess You Jiale's current state. She didn't seem interested in him; rather, she appeared to be in a state of extreme anguish.
"Jiale, look carefully at who I am." He Mingzhou tried to calm him down, his tone tinged with worry.
However, You Jiale seemed not to hear him at all, and just kept pulling on his arm, her voice trembling with tears: "I can't see... help me... I really can't take it anymore..." A thin layer of red appeared at the corners of his eyes, making him look fragile and helpless.
Just as He Mingzhou was about to confirm You Jiale's situation further, the door to the private room was suddenly opened, and Zhang Xiande stood in the doorway, his face ashen.
When he saw the situation in the private room, he couldn't believe his eyes. Seeing You Jiale and He Mingzhou, their clothes disheveled and tightly embracing, an uncontrollable rage surged within him, almost threatening to consume his reason.
"What are you doing?!" Zhang Xiande's voice was as cold as ice, carrying a chilling killing intent. Without hesitation, he rushed forward and kicked He Mingzhou hard, knocking him to the ground.
Caught off guard, He Mingzhou fell heavily to the ground with a muffled groan. Ignoring the pain, he hurriedly got up, wanting to explain, but saw Zhang Xiande pounce on him again like a raging beast, his fist slamming into his face with terrifying force.
As Zhang Xiande swung his fist, he glared fiercely at You Jiale, who was still tightly gripping He Mingzhou's arm. He tried to pull You Jiale away, but found that he was surprisingly strong, and his eyes were glazed over, while he kept shouting "Help me."
Zhang Xiande then suddenly realized that You Jiale's condition was very strange. His face was flushed, his eyes were unfocused, and his body was trembling slightly. This was not a normal reaction to being drunk. It was more like... he had been drugged!
Realizing this, Zhang Xiande's anger was instantly replaced by a more complex emotion—anger, worry, and an indescribable panic. He struck He Mingzhou even harder, while roaring for the bodyguards behind him to restrain him.
"Zhang Xiande! Listen to me! It's not what you see! I don't know anything! I received a letter saying that Jiale invited me here, and when I arrived, he was already like this!" He Mingzhou was being held down on the ground by the bodyguards, struggling and trying to explain. His face was filled with fear and confusion; he had no idea how things had turned out this way.
Zhang Xiande was completely deaf to any explanations at that moment. His gaze was fixed on You Jiale, and seeing his pained and contorted expression, his heart felt like it was being torn apart. He took off his coat, carefully wrapped it around You Jiale, and then picked him up in his arms.
Zhang Xiande's voice trembled slightly. He didn't even glance at He Mingzhou again, and strode out of the private room with You Jiale in his arms.
Once in the car, You Jiale was held tightly in Zhang Xiande's arms. His body was still hot and restless, and he squirmed uncomfortably. The drug seemed to have fully taken effect; his consciousness was becoming increasingly blurred, and he kept groaning in unbearable pain.
“Brother He…please help me…I really can’t take it anymore…” You Jiale looked at Zhang Xiande with a dazed gaze, a hint of pain and longing in her eyes, and an alluring red blush rose at the corners of her eyes from her discomfort.
That cry of "Brother He" struck Zhang Xiande like a thunderbolt into his mind...
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