Chapter 18: Deep Love for the Moon, Reunion After a Short Separation, a Tender and Intense Intercourse
The journey was smooth. A few days later, the ship arrived in Shanghai. Yi Han was already waiting at the dock with a group of officials.
Xiao Xiangyue disembarked and saw Yi Han leaning on a cane, one trouser leg bare. Heartbroken, she called out, her voice choked with tears, "Second brother!" Yi Han's eyes reddened as he studied him, sighing, "Yue'er has grown so much... and become even more handsome."
He had long known about Luo Guyun and Xiao Xiangyue's affair. Yi Han was naturally easygoing, and since he was disabled, he had little regard for love and affection, intending to live alone for the rest of his life. He felt it was a good thing for his third brother to have someone he loved by his side, so he didn't mind.
After arriving in Shanghai, Yi Shui headed straight for Nanjing due to urgent matters at the central government. Before leaving, he recounted with Yi Han how he risked his life to protect Luo Guyun and Xiao Xiangyue, and how they had lived together on their way to Lizhuang, begging and performing. Yi Han, too, was filled with admiration.
With tears in her eyes, Xiao Xiangyue bowed deeply: "Second brother, you buried my father's bones... You risked your life to save me... Yue'er is always grateful and remembers it in my heart..." Yi Han reached out to support him: "Yue'er, please don't be like this. It's all in the past... Now seeing you and third brother know each other and accompany each other, second brother is also happy in his heart..."
Luo Guyun exchanged pleasantries with the officials for a while, then came over. Seeing Xiao Xiangyue's red eyes, he smiled and embraced her, saying, "Yue'er, there's no need to be sad. Don't look at Second Brother's inconvenience. He's a man who can shake the whole of Shanghai with just one stomp of his foot. Even I, your brother, have to act according to his mood!"
In Luo Guyun's army, Yi Shui is in charge of military affairs, and Yi Han is in charge of internal affairs. The entire financial power is under the control of Yi Han. The li tax of several provinces in the southwest and northwest, as well as other income, pass through his hands every year, tens of billions of silver. Yi Han has been stationed in Shanghai for a long time. First, many of the weapons and medicines needed by the army need to be imported from overseas. Shanghai is a global trade center with convenient import and export of goods. Second, in the past two years, he has successively invested in a number of factories in Shanghai, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, tobacco, machinery, etc., and is the actual controller of many companies. Yi Han acts low-key, and because of his special status, most things are manipulated behind the scenes. But in Shanghai, no matter whether it is the underworld or the white world, everyone has to give him some face. Anyone with a little status knows that Master Yi is a person who cannot be offended.
A convoy of Fords, led by police cars, rolled down the wide streets. Shanghai's prosperity rivaled that of inland cities. Ornate Western-style buildings lined the streets, and exotic flags fluttered high. Cars crisscrossed the streets, and rickshaws solicited passengers. Bright lights shone everywhere, and shops of all kinds crowded together. Department stores were lavish, displaying a dazzling array of merchandise.
Xiao Xiangyue looked around, regretting that her eyes were not enough to see, and was extremely curious about the new things.
Yi Han sat in the front passenger seat and tilted his head to say, "The mansion is over in the concession, and it can be reached in half an hour. Third brother and Yue'er have been exhausted from the journey, so they should rest up today. Several families have to attend the welcoming banquet for local officials, so we can make arrangements after tomorrow."
Xiao Xiangyue asked, "Where is Yangpu Road? Senior Brother said his Tianqi Film Company is on Yangpu Road. We've been delayed for so long, and I'm afraid he's getting impatient. We need to go and hand in the music score tomorrow."
Luo Guyun said: "Don't worry, Yue'er, I will accompany you there tomorrow."
Yi Han introduced, "Tianqi Film Company is very famous in Shanghai. Several popular films in the past two years have been produced by this company." He then said to Luo Guyun, "Commander-in-Chief Zhang from the Northeast is also in Shanghai. He has been waiting for several days and will leave after meeting with you. Therefore, we have arranged to meet him tomorrow. If Yue'er wants to go to the film company, I will arrange for several reliable guards to escort her. Third brother, you can rest assured."
Xiao Xiangyue said, "Second brother is right. Brother Yun should focus on his work. There's no need to accompany Yue'er."
The mansion sat at the end of a quiet, secluded street in the French Concession. Behind the imposing, carved iron gate, lay three small European-style buildings, along with several auxiliary structures, covering an area of six or seven acres. Luo Guyun and Xiao Xiangyue lived in the main building, a splendid space with marble steps and rich carpets. The bathroom boasted an oval bathtub and the latest flush toilet—all the amenities of luxury.
The two washed off their tiredness and changed into soft, snow-white nightgowns. Leaning on a sofa covered with a handmade European-style printed blanket, Xiao Xiangyue nestled against Luo Guoyun's chest like a docile little deer.
"This is also our home. Does Yue'er like it?" Luo Guyun said casually, hugging the person in his arms.
"It's nice here, Yue'er likes it. But... Yue'er likes Li Zhuang's home even more," Xiao Xiangyue replied softly. In the past few months, no matter where he was, he always thought of Li Zhuang.
Luo Guyun sighed that Yue'er's mind was as transparent and pure as crystal. No matter how rich, powerful, and wealthy you were, it would not stir up the slightest ripple in his heart. He was simple and pure to the extreme.
The next day, Luo Guyun and Yi Han met with Commander-in-Chief Zhang from the Northeast at the Peace Hotel. Several Fangzi Sun Mu, eager to achieve mass production through mechanization, eagerly took Xiao Qin to a pharmaceutical factory in the suburbs. Xiao Xiangyue, accompanied by Hei Zhu and A Feng, went to Tianqi Film Company. Yi Han also selected several guards familiar with Shanghai to accompany them with live ammunition for protection.
Lu Hankun was overjoyed to see Xiao Xiangyue: "Junior brother, you're finally here! Our movie will be released after the Mid-Autumn Festival. The music will take several weeks, and I was worried that I wouldn't have enough time! Now it's great, I've finally made it!"
Xiao Xiangyue said embarrassedly, "I was delayed on the way for some time and made Senior Brother wait anxiously!" Lu Hankun said, "No problem, no problem, we'll make it in time. And Ike is here too, so let's have a good chat."
As soon as Ike saw Xiao Xiangyue, he embraced her with a big hug, following Western etiquette, and even kissed her on both cheeks. Heizhu and Afeng frowned, thinking that if the young master were here, they would definitely kick the old man eight feet away. They were about to step forward to stop her, but seeing Xiao Xiangyue was calm and unfazed, they gave up.
Lu Hankun's office was spacious and elegant. In the corner stood a grand piano. Xiao Xiangyue had only seen pianos in magazines, and seeing one in person for the first time was intriguing. Aike, a skilled pianist, tried out the pieces he had brought on the piano one by one.
Lu Hankun was deeply impressed by this and praised, "In ancient times, a soulmate found a kindred spirit while listening to a mountain stream. Today, Yue'er's music, paired with Ike's piano skills, is simply perfect." He added, "Why don't we innovate the arrangement this time and add a piano accompaniment? This fusion of Eastern and Western elements would be novel and unique and would surely be a huge hit."
Before they knew it, it was already noon. Lu Hankun said, "Let's go to Yangzhou Restaurant and eat Huaiyang cuisine. Senior brother will be the host to welcome junior brother. We can chat while we eat."
The group walked to the restaurant. Just as they sat down, a Ford sedan pulled up at the door. A slightly plump young man, holding a clay pot, got out and walked into the restaurant. He said respectfully to Xiao Xiangyue, "Young Master, I'm the chef at the mansion. The commander-in-chief has ordered this Korean ginseng soup to be delivered to you." He then handed a list to Lu Hankun and bowed, "Are you Mr. Lu? The commander-in-chief has ordered this list to be given to you." Lu Hankun took it and looked at it. It turned out to be a list of foods that Xiao Xiangyue usually avoided. Luo Guyun was worried that he would eat something inappropriate outside, and it was a good idea.
Xiao Xiangyue asked curiously, "How did Brother Yun know I was having dinner here?" Lu Hankun replied, "With telephones nowadays, there must be someone among your accompanying guards who is specifically responsible for communication. It's not surprising that they know your whereabouts. But I'm truly touched by Commander-in-Chief Luo's concern for you."
Huaiyang cuisine is light and well-suited to Xiao Xiangyue's taste. The group chatted while eating, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant. Lu Hankun said, "I just listened to some of the songs from the show 'The Legend of the Red Actress.' Just now, Junior Brother sang a few verses along with Ike's accompaniment. It was so affectionate, graceful, and moving. Junior Brother seemed to have incorporated his infinite nostalgia for his master's uncle and mistress into the song. I wonder if Junior Brother would be interested in singing it himself? If the composer and singer were the same person, the effect would definitely be even more sensational."
Xiao Xiangyue blushed and said, "Yue'er...is it okay?"
Lu Hankun said, "It couldn't be more perfect... The company has several popular singers under contract, but I don't think they can compare to my junior brother in any way. Let them do the other songs. I absolutely must ask my junior brother to sing these interludes from 'The Legend of the Red Actress' himself; they'll definitely be exceptional."
Xiao Xiangyue was fascinated by the piano. After lunch, she spent the entire day in Lu Hankun's office studying with Ike. One enthusiastically taught, the other diligently learned. Before they knew it, it was almost dusk. Ike exclaimed, "Little Yue'er is the Mozart of the East. She's a true genius! She's only learned for half a day, but she's already learned ten years of hard work. If she practices for a while longer, even I'll be impressed!"
Xiao Xiangyue lost herself in the music and forgot about time. Seeing that it was already dark, she hurriedly said, "Yue'er has to go back. It's your first time out and you're still so late. Brother Yun must be worried." Lu Hankun smiled and said, "Don't worry, Junior Brother. Commander-in-Chief Luo has already called. I'm worried that you'll miss dinner in your rush. I've asked the chef at Shengxinglou to send a table of dishes and snacks. Junior Brother, please have some before you go."
Shanghai at night was ablaze with neon lights and a vibrant atmosphere. Xiao Xiangyue was anxious to get back home, and had no time to admire the charming night view. She simply told the driver to drive faster. When the car pulled into the mansion, Luo Guyun was already looking out the gate. When the car stopped, he opened the door, hugged her and kissed her, then said with a smile, "Yue'er is finally back. You little thing, you never knew when to go home once you left the house. I missed you so much." He took his hand, got out of the car, and walked into the house.
In a corner of the magnificent living room, a new, gleaming black grand piano appeared. Xiao Xiangyue's mouth opened wide, unable to close for a long time. She tilted her head to look at him, surprised, "Brother Yun, this..." Luo Guyun smiled and said, "I wanted to give Yue'er a new one. But it will take at least three or two months to ship it from overseas. I was afraid Yue'er couldn't wait. I found out that the best piano in Shanghai is the Steinway in the lobby of the Peace Hotel. Since my brother was there on business, I discussed it with the manager and had it brought home. The tuner has already tuned it, so Yue'er can try it out."
Luo Guoyun spent the entire day in talks with Commander-in-Chief Zhang. He was constantly informed of Xiao Xiangyue's activities. Knowing that Xiao Xiangyue had developed a fondness for the piano, he sent someone to inquire about purchasing one. However, none were available in Shanghai. Fortunately, there was a piano in the lobby of the Peace Hotel, rumored to be excellent. The world-renowned pianist Graf had even made a special trip to the hotel lobby to perform during his visit to China. Since then, it's rarely touched, remaining there for show.
With Commander-in-Chief Luo speaking, no one dared to disobey. The hotel manager quickly arranged for someone to transport the piano to Luo's residence and hired a foreigner who knew how to tune it to calibrate the tone, thus completing his mission.
Xiao Xiangyue remained silent, silently wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her head in his chest. After a while, she said sullenly, "Brother Yun treats me like this, how can I repay you..." Luo Guyun pinched his cheek, "Silly Yue'er, you and I are one. As long as you're happy, I'm happy too. All my happiness and joy are given by you, how can I repay you?"
Xiao Xiangyue sat down on the piano stool, lashes lowered, her beautiful fingers gently caressing the keys. With a slight concentration, her fingers danced lightly across the keys, a series of beautiful notes flowing from her fingertips. The crystal chandelier on the ceiling reflected his perfect profile, impeccable features, and a dazzling radiance emanating from his body.
Luo Guyun folded his arms, leaning gently against the piano stand. Once again, she was deeply moved by his stunning beauty. The song paused. She walked around the piano bench, leaned over to embrace him, and buried her head in his neck. She took a deep breath, inhaling his subtle, unique body fragrance, and murmured, "Yue'er... so beautiful..."
Xiao Xiangyue gently stroked Luo Guyun's face with her backhand, like she was treating a treasure, stroking every inch of it. Her deep affection was expressed without words.
Having agreed to sing in person, Xiao Xiangyue had to go to the recording studio every day to record songs, leaving early and returning late, which was very tiring. Luo Guoyun was reluctant at first, but seeing that he was doing what he loved, happy and energetic, although he felt sorry for his fatigue, he could only support him. When he had time, he personally picked him up and accompanied him, and when he didn't, he gave his entourage many instructions, fearing that something would go wrong.
That evening, Shanghai Mayor Wu hosted a banquet to welcome Commander-in-Chief Luo. Many businesses in Shanghai benefited from Mayor Wu's patronage, so this was one of the few banquets Yi Han had arranged for Luo Guoyun to attend in person. Xiao Xiangyue had finished recording early and accompanied him to the banquet.
As Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the first batch of hairy crabs were already plump and brimming with roe. This Shanghainese favorite was naturally indispensable at the banquet. Xiao Xiangyue already loved seafood like fish and shrimp. Hairy crabs are tender and delicious, perfectly suiting his taste. Seeing his love for them, Luo Guoyun, chatting and laughing with the others, peeled the crabs and carefully picked out the meat and placed it in his bowl. Mayor Wu, a native of Jiangsu and Zhejiang and a huge fan of the crabs, joined in the fun, recounting stories about eating crabs and teaching him how to peel them. As they chatted, Xiao Xiangyue unknowingly devoured three or four crabs. The crab shells piled up in front of Luo Guoyun like a small mountain. The feast was over, and both the host and the guests were delighted.
Back at the mansion, Xiao Xiangyue hadn't walked a few steps since getting out of the car when she clutched her stomach in pain, doubled over, and a thin layer of cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Luo Guyun was shocked and hurriedly supported him, saying anxiously, "What's wrong with Yue'er... Is it a stomachache?" Xiao Xiangyue nodded with difficulty. She had been having a dull stomachache in the car earlier, thinking it would go away if she just endured it, but it only got worse and worse, and the pain became unbearable.
Yi Han, who got out of the car later, was also startled: "What's going on... Let's help Yue'er in first..." Luo Guyun picked her up and carried her sideways, strode into the house, put her on the sofa in the living room, and shouted to the guards following behind him: "Quickly, go and get Adjutant Sun!"
Sun Mu, Xiao Qin, and Yi Han lived in another building. The guard reported, "Adjutant Sun went to the pharmaceutical factory in the suburbs early this morning and hasn't returned yet." Several prescriptions needed to be put into production over the next two days, and Sun Mu had been spending all day and night at the factory, even putting aside plans for his wife.
Seeing Xiao Xiangyue's face pale and curled up on the sofa, it was obvious that she was in great pain. Luo Guyun was anxious and wanted to send her to the hospital immediately. Yi Han said, "There should be someone on duty at the pharmaceutical factory. Let's give it a try first." When the person on the other end of the phone heard that Yi Erye had something urgent to talk to Adjutant Sun about, he immediately went to look for him. After waiting for more than ten minutes, Sun Mu's voice came. Luo Guyun half-knelt beside the sofa, rubbing Xiao Xiangyue's stomach with one hand, and took the phone with the other hand, and told her the symptoms. Sun Mu asked about her diet in detail, and stamped his feet on the other end of the phone and said, "Crab is a very cold thing. Yue'er's constitution is cold, and her spleen and stomach are weak. If she eats too much at one time, how can she not get sick?"
Luo Guyun said in frustration, "It's all my fault. I thought Yue'er loved it, so I let him eat more... I didn't know this thing was so potent... Big brother, come up with a solution!" Sun Mu said, "Warm up a pot of old yellow rice wine and drink a few cups. It should help. Then make some brown sugar ginger soup and drink it to get rid of the cold. I'll come back tomorrow to check Yue'er's pulse and prescribe some stomach-warming prescriptions. Take good care of him for a few days... Remember to use Yuqing Liquid to cleanse the intestines and expel toxins before going to bed..."
After drinking the rice wine, Xiao Xiangyue's face flushed, she broke out in a sweat, and she felt better. Luo Guoyun breathed a sigh of relief and carried her upstairs to the bedroom to rest.
After drinking, Yue'er's body was soft and delicate, her eyes were watery, and her cheeks were rosy, she looked very lively. In the past, Luo Guyun would have been burning with desire, unable to restrain himself. Today, he was worried and didn't have any wild thoughts. The kitchen sent over brown sugar ginger soup, and he half-supported her and fed her half a bowl. He also heated the medicine pack that Sun Mu had made for her waist and applied it to her waist and abdomen. He watched her until the second half of the night, and when he saw his breathing gradually stabilize, he felt relieved and fell into a drowsy sleep.
As soon as the sky brightened, Xiao Xiangyue got up and said that she was going to the film company to record songs. Luo Guyun was not willing to let him go, so he held him down and persuaded him: "Brother will call the senior brother later and ask him to take a day off today." Xiao Xiangyue was anxious: "I can't take a leave! Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon, and the movie has been scheduled for release. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it in time! Besides...if I don't go, so many staff members will be delayed for a day in vain. How can I do that?" Luo Guyun knew that he had a strong sense of responsibility and was unwilling to let him delay anything. So he coaxed him: "Okay...you have to have breakfast before going."
The kitchen prepared a nourishing congee of barley, ginseng, and poria cocos. Xiao Xiangyue sat at the dining table, sipping it. The living room phone rang, and the servant announced, "Young Master."
The call was from Lu Hankun, who said that the recording equipment would be repaired today and would be shut down for a day, and he was informed that he didn't need to go. Luo Guyun smiled and said, "It seems that God also sympathizes with Yue'er." Xiao Xiangyue stared at him suspiciously with her clear eyes. He immediately confessed, hugged her and coaxed her, "Okay, okay... Senior Brother said that we can afford to delay for a day or two. Yue'er drank some wine last night and her throat is a little hoarse. Why don't you rest peacefully and go when you feel better? Only then will the recording effect be better." Xiao Xiangyue said nothing more. After all, she was exhausted. After breakfast, she went upstairs to rest and fell into a deep sleep. After Sun Mu came back to take her pulse and prescribed a prescription, she drank a few bowls of medicine before she recovered a little.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Luo Guoyun had to rush to a government meeting in Nanjing. He didn't want to be separated from Yue'er for even a moment, so he naturally wanted to take her with him. However, Xiao Xiangyue was in the middle of recording a song, and she couldn't leave. Luo Guoyun was frustrated. This person was working late into the night to write music, and stayed in the studio day and night, even busier than him, the commander-in-chief.
Xiao Xiangyue was naturally reluctant to part with Brother Yun, but she couldn't bear to leave the recording. She was torn in her heart, feeling guilty and reluctant. Her pitiful eyes followed him all night. When Luo Guyun was washing up in the bathroom, he put his arms around his waist from behind and put his face on his back, clinging to him like a kangaroo without saying a word. Even though Luo Guyun had some resentment, it had turned into a gentle embrace. She couldn't help but sigh, Yue'er had this ability, it was obvious that he couldn't be with her, but it made her feel heartbroken. She hugged him and comforted him with sweet words, saying that they could call each other every day and he would be back in ten days at most. Xiao Xiangyue felt better. She got on the bed, like an octopus, lying on Luo Guyun, listening to his heartbeat, and then fell asleep peacefully.
A limousine was parked on the curb opposite the film studio. A handsome man in military uniform leaned against it, his gaze fixed on the gate, a cigar between his fingers, occasionally taking a puff.
"Brother Yun!" Xiao Xiangyue, who had just finished recording, shouted and rushed over. Luo Guyun threw away his cigar and stretched out his arms to hug the person who bumped into him.
A day without seeing you feels like three years. Eight days apart. Even though we talk on the phone every day, I still miss you so much.
"Yue'er seems to have lost some weight." Luo Guoyun frowned as he put his arm around Xiao Xiangyue. The two of them standing on the street were quite eye-catching, and passersby looked over curiously. He put his arm around him and said, "Let's get in the car first."
Xiao Xiangyue's cheeks flushed with joy, her sparkling eyes fixed on Luo Guyun, unwilling to look away. She chattered non-stop, like a little sparrow, about the past few days: "Big Brother decided to release a record simultaneously with the movie..." "A photographer came yesterday to take pictures, saying they're going to be on the cover of a magazine..." "Big Brother Sun's wedding is set before Spring Festival, and I've met my future sister-in-law..."
The two of them sat in the back seat, Luo Guyun half-embracing him, listening with a smile, his eyes full of tenderness. He only regretted that the road back to the mansion was too long, and he wished he could immediately press him down, whispering in each other's ears, entwining their bodies, to endure the torment of the past few days. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but hug him tighter. Xiao Xiangyue moved closer, sniffed carefully, and shouted, "Brother Yun smells so strongly of cigarettes!"
Luo Guoyun had learned to smoke over the years. Xiao Xiangyue had weak lungs and couldn't stand the smell of cigarettes, so naturally, she never smoked in front of him. As soon as the Nanjing meeting ended yesterday, he drove back to Shanghai, not even having time to change clothes before going straight to the film company to pick someone up. Most of the military and political leaders at the meeting were smokers, one after another, the smoke billowing. Feeling a little tired, he lit a cigar to refresh himself, and the smell of smoke covered his clothes.
Luo Guyun leaned close to Xiao Xiangyue's ear, his lips almost touching his cheek, and whispered softly, "Let Yue'er wash the cigarette smell off me later... okay?" He took his hand and touched the tent he had erected. Xiao Xiangyue's cheeks flushed with shame. She glanced at the guard in the front row, glared at him, straightened her clothes, and sat upright, her face serious. She pursed her lips and said nothing more.
The car drove directly to the main building. As soon as the two entered the house, they couldn't wait to hug each other tightly and kissed each other, rolling and sucking each other and falling on the sofa in the living room, taking off their clothes in a few seconds. Luo Guyun usually kept moisturizing cream in the living room, study, bathroom and other places, so as not to go to the bedroom when he was anxious. At this moment, he took out the plaster from the coffee table drawer next to the sofa. After holding it back for a few days, both of them were a little eager, and it only took a short while for them to release it. They rolled from the sofa to the carpet and continued to make love. This time they were more relaxed, entangled for nearly an hour, and finally released their joy and died down.
After a short rest, Luo Guyun carried the exhausted Xiao Xiangyue upstairs and filled the bathtub with hot water, which was wide enough for the two of them. The steaming water made his body limp, his skin flushed slightly. He rested lazily in Luo Guyun's arms, eyes slightly closed. Luo Guyun's fingertips traced his back, then reached down, felt the opening, gently kneaded and twisted, and then inserted his penis inside. Xiao Xiangyue gasped softly and opened her misty eyes. Luo Guyun was seduced by his bewitching gaze, his heart fluttering, blood boiling, and his lower body quickly rising. He lifted her up and, using the warm water to moisten her, sat down and immersed herself completely. He slowly ground and thrust slowly, changing positions, sometimes sitting on the edge of the tub, holding him on his legs, sometimes turning around and thrusting from behind. Xiao Xiangyue gasped and vomited again, trembling. Her whole body was exhausted, and she fell limp in his arms. Then he increased his speed, thrusting dozens of times, and with a low roar, he ejaculated all into the depths of the passage.
Luo Guoyun was away these past few days, and Xiao Xiangyue would go to the annexe every night after returning to the mansion from the film studio to have dinner with Sun Mu and the others. Sun Mu didn't know Luo Guoyun had returned, and when he didn't see him near dinner time, he became worried and came to check on him.
The mansion had more than a dozen servants. Luo Guoyun, fearing that Xiao Xiangyue would feel uncomfortable, ordered that no one be allowed to enter or leave the main building at will. Sun Mu saw that the door was ajar but no one was there, so he went straight upstairs.
The bedroom door was wide open. Luo Guyun had just dried Xiao Xiangyue, applied medicine, and cleaned her up. He then wrapped her in a soft, fitted robe and laid her down on the bed. He also draped a loose bathrobe over himself, towel in hand, and stood by the bed, wiping the water from his head.
Seeing this, Sun Mu understood and secretly laughed at these two people. It was really like a newlywed couple after a short separation. They were so impatient. Luo Guoyun saw that it was Sun Mu who came, and he didn't mind at all. He smiled heartily and greeted him generously: "Brother, you are here. Come in and sit down."
Xiao Xiangyue threw back the quilt and tried to get out of bed. Luo Guyun quickly stopped him, took a pillow and propped it up behind him, letting him lean against the headboard. He said softly, "Brother is not a stranger. Yue'er is tired, so just lie down on the bed and talk. Don't be so formal."
Sun Mu hurried a few steps, sat down on the edge of the bed, pulled the corner of the quilt higher, and said, "Yue'er, just lean on me. You just took a shower and got out of bed in the open air. Be careful not to catch a cold." He then said to Luo Guyun, "I didn't know you were back. I didn't see Yue'er, so I said I'd come to check on you."
Xiao Xiangyue felt embarrassed and muttered softly, "Brother Yun just arrived this afternoon and forgot to tell Big Brother."
Luo Guyun also leaned against the headboard, a hand casually resting on his shoulder, explaining, "The central government meeting was supposed to end in two days. The next two days were all about discussing how to suppress bandits, which I found boring, and I was thinking about Yue'er. I left Brother Yi to deal with it over there, and then I left first." He added, "I heard from Yue'er that Brother Yi has set a date for the wedding. The proper etiquette must be followed. In a few days, Yue'er and I will invite Sister-in-law to dinner to formally meet. Yi Han has bought a courtyard on Danxia Road. I heard that the environment is quite quiet. Let's decorate it and use it as Brother Yi's new home..."
Xiao Xiangyue interrupted hurriedly, "Brother Sun, are you going to move out?" Luo Guyun pinched his face and said with a smile, "Silly Yue'er, after your brother gets married, of course he will live with your sister-in-law and have his own home. Are you going to live with us forever?" Xiao Xiangyue was a little reluctant and said hesitantly, "Then...what about Xiao Qin? Is Xiao Qin going to move out too?" Xiao Qin was only half a year older than him, and the two of them were very good friends. Xiao Xiangyue always liked lively atmosphere and really didn't want to be separated from him. Luo Guyun comforted her, "Yue'er, don't be sad. Even if your brother moves out, he's not far away. We can meet anytime we want."
Sun Mu habitually placed two fingers on Xiao Xiangyue's wrist to feel her pulse, and said, "In a while, I plan to hand over as many of my father's medicine prescriptions as possible to pharmaceutical factories for mechanized production. I will negotiate with foreigners to introduce several production lines. Yi Han discussed with me the day before yesterday that he plans to build two more Western-style hospitals, and the preparatory work is quite cumbersome. Therefore, even if you don't move out, you won't spend much time in the mansion. Xiao Qin is a careful child, and he has learned some medical skills from me over the years. Let him live in the mansion, so that if anything happens, we can take care of him." Thinking of it again, he smiled mischievously, "You haven't had dinner yet, right? Yue'er hasn't had a good appetite these days. You did strenuous exercise today, so you should eat more." Xiao Xiangyue blushed.
Before leaving, Luo Guyun specifically asked Sun Mu to temporarily stay at the pharmaceutical factory and look after Yue'er. Consequently, he had spent the past few days at the mansion, finding some free time. He had agreed on a wedding date with his future in-laws and invited his future wife, Wang Shufang, to the mansion for a small gathering. He also dined with Xiao Xiangyue every evening.
Luo Guyun said distressedly: "No wonder I felt that Yue'er was thinner. How could she not eat?"
Sun Mu said, "Eating crab that night must have damaged my spleen and stomach. These past few days, I've been working hard, going out early and coming back late. Yesterday, Yue'er said she wanted to eat shrimp wontons. The Shanghai chef in the mansion is an expert at making them, but Yue'er only took two bites and said they weren't as good as Brother Yun's, so she left." He then asked curiously, "Could it be that my dear brother can cook?"
Luo Guyun said proudly, "Of course! I've been practicing my cooking skills since I was sixteen. I've carefully considered all the dishes that Yue'er likes to eat, and I've perfected them all. How can a Shanghai chef compare to my skills!" He added, "Otherwise, Yue'er, take a rest first. I'll go to the kitchen and make you a bowl of shrimp wontons myself." Xiao Xiangyue said anxiously, "Brother Yun just got back and must be tired. Take a rest first... We'll make it another day." Luo Guyun said, "Yue'er doesn't eat well, and I'm worried, so how can I rest? Lie down for a while, it will be fine in a little while." He helped him lie down and pinched the corner of the quilt. He and Sun Mu left the bedroom together and closed the door.
The two of them went downstairs. Luo Guyun paused briefly at the door. A nearby patrolling guard immediately trotted over and snapped to attention. "What are your orders, Commander-in-Chief?" Luo Guyun said, "Young Master, rest upstairs. Summon Heizhu and Afeng to guard the living room downstairs. Send a few more men to patrol near the gate and keep a close eye on it."
Luo Guyun had been away for the past few days, so he'd asked Yi Han to strengthen security and Sun Mu to keep a close eye on Xiao Xiangyue. Worried about Xiao Xiangyue staying alone in the main building and what might happen, he'd asked Hei Zhu and A Feng to stay downstairs at night, with Xiao Qin staying in the second-floor guest room. Sun Mu couldn't help but praise him, "Brother, you're truly thoughtful. You've thought so carefully in just a moment." Luo Guyun said, "Brother, do you remember that night in Anyang City? It took just a moment for something to happen. We have to be on guard."
The kitchen was in the backyard of a row of bungalows. The two walked side by side, with no one around.
Luo Guyun said, "The Hehuanlu is almost used up. Big Brother, please prepare some more when you have time."
Sun Mu said, "A few days ago, I made Hehuanlu into a disposable bottle at the factory, so you can throw it away after use. It's more convenient to use, and the dosage is easier to control. You don't have to use a straw every time, which is so troublesome. How many do you need, brother?" Luo Guyun said happily, "Brother, you understand me... Let's... start with a hundred bottles."
"One hundred?" Sun Mu was stunned.
"Yes, that's one hundred. Three sticks a day, and one hundred sticks are only enough for more than a month." Luo Guyun said confidently, and Sun Mu was speechless.
The commander-in-chief personally cooked, alarming everyone in the mansion. Even Yi Han came running over on crutches. He learned that he was going to make shrimp wontons for the young master. The Shanghai chef said aggrievedly, "My wontons are excellent. Everyone who eats them praises them. But yesterday, the young master said they were not tasty..."
Luo Guyun had intended to quietly make a bowl of wontons for Xiao Xiangyue, not wanting to disturb everyone. Seeing everyone had arrived, he could only smile and say, "The shrimp wontons Yue'er wants aren't made entirely of shrimp, but rather chopped fresh shrimp with minced pork. The ratio is about 70% shrimp to 30% pork. Of that, the pork is about 60% lean and 40% fat. If the ratio isn't right, it'll be either too dry or too greasy. Yue'er won't like either. Don't chop it too finely, leaving a slight grainy texture for a chewy texture. Add a few drops of sesame oil when mixing, and avoid soy sauce..." As Luo Guyun spoke, his hands were constantly working, deftly rolling out the dough, mixing the filling, and wrapping the wontons. In just a few moments, the cutting board was filled with evenly distributed, delicate wontons. Everyone was impressed; they hadn't expected the commander-in-chief of the army to possess such a unique skill.
Yi Han teased, "This is truly a General Wonton. If you opened a shop, there would probably be a long line of diners..." He winked at him and whispered, "Third brother, you are really thinking hard for Yue'er!" Luo Guyun chuckled softly, "If second brother had a loved one, he would be like third brother." Yi Han curled his lips, "Second brother won't suffer the pain of love."
Sun Mu smiled and said, "When I saw Yue'er again, I felt his pulse was steady and strong, and he was much stronger than when he was a child. It seems that my dear brother has put a lot of effort into his diet... I'm worried that Yue'er will be spoiled by you and won't eat anything other than what I cook... What can I do?" Luo Guyun sighed, "I really want to spoil Yue'er! Big brother also knows that Yue'er is like this. If you treat him well, he will treat you ten times better. He will never bother others for you... As long as Yue'er likes it, I will cook for him and spoil him for the rest of his life... What's the harm?"
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