Chapter 721: I Already Have A Perfect Wife At Home, So There Is No Bed Left For You
Yu Hong scornfully smiled in response to Tang Xiu's remark. She had been living in Changxi for many years, and even though her Yu Family could not be considered as a top-ranked family here, they were still a mid-ranked one and naturally understood the thoughts of the juniors of these families.
This farce, however, related to the faces of the two families, and even if Ji Mu was full of arrogance, it was highly unlikely he would do anything to shame them both.
In the beginning, she liked Tang Xiu a bit. After all, this guy was the man her good sister had a crush on. But now it seemed like this fella was ignorant about the situation as well as a boaster, simply courting humiliation upon himself.
At the restaurant's door, Ren Ranran stood there, with a face full of expectation. She was sure Ji Mu would not refuse her. Her good sisters incited and encouraged her to bet on this rugged, dangerous move. She liked Ji Mu a lot, to the point this feeling was carved deep down inside. And yet, she also realized that this guy felt just a bit affection toward her, and had yet to turn into liking, let alone love.
"You know my character, Ji Mu. What I hate the most is to have the Family do some kind of acrobatic for an arranged marriage. But ever since three years ago when you escorted me to the hospital due to my illness, only then did I realize that I liked you. The longer the time passed, the deeper this feeling got. My feeling for you is pure, uncontaminated by our so-called status. I like you even if you have nothing and I will follow you with all my heart, till death do us part. Please promise me… to marry… no, to take me as your wife."
Ji Mu, however, frowned deeply, and there was anger when he looked at her.
Was the child… she said… anything but only a chip? While she used their statuses to force him under the public witness?
Ji Mu sneered inside, then took out a cigarette and lit it up under everyone's watchful eyes. He did not wish to hurt Ren Ranran, but he did not want to be forced either. Had it been a couple days ago, he might have felt pressured due to their statuses and thus promise her. But now…
"I used to think that you were a smart woman, Ranran. At the very least, you did not pester me after what happened between us last time. So much so that I would start liking you if you were to work this out step by step and had exchanges with me just like how you used to. However… what you are doing today is anything but smart. Aren't you just using my child as a chip to force me? Like you are using our statuses in Changxi?
"I, Ji Mu, am not a man who treats affections and love like a child's play. If there was really a bond that tied our heart, I would be the one to take the initiative to court you and swear to give a happy life, so you would not need to use this kind of means to coerce me.
"But now…
"I refuse!"
Ren Ranran was stunned and dumbfounded. She had never dreamed that Ji Mu's reaction would be this intense, so much that the attitude he showed her was like that of… abhorrence.
Is it wrong? Is my love for him a mistake?
I have given you my body to the point that I'm now carrying your child.
So why?
For what reason he's ignoring the two families' faces, even refusing me so heartlessly like this?
Tears like beads were falling down her face as Ren Ranran desperately shook her head. Her hand that held the megaphone was trembling, as she loudly said, "I don't have the intention to force you, and neither am I threatening you, Ji Mu. What I'm doing today is just because I wanted you to know how much I really love you. For I, Ren Ranran, will do whatever you want even if I must cast away any constraints a woman must have and throw away my honor and reputation just to be with you."
"Sorry." Ji Mu indifferently shook his head.
On the second floor's window.
Yu Hong was tongue-tied and dumbfounded as she watched the drama unfold. However smart her brain was, it simply ceased to work at this moment. Her expression when she turned her head to look at Tang Xiu was full of disbelief.
"How is this possible?" Her voice was trembling.
Tang Xiu only let out a tranquil smile since he had already predicted this result. Had Ji Mu not obtained the cultivation technique from him, he might have no will nor energy to refuse. At the very least, he would try to preserve the Ji and Ren Families' honor and reputation. But now… even the elders of the Ji Family would not blame him, moreover… they would not dare to blame him.
"Anyways, there are things I need to tend to in this month, so I'm afraid I can't enjoy the banquet you will hold for a time. But if you do still want to realize your promise, throw the feast for Teacher Han since she has quite a lot of time to spare!"
Yu Hong gaped and looked somewhat awkward and flushed. Recalling as how she despised Tang Xiu when they started the bet, she now felt that it was her that was ludicrous.
"Tang Xiu, you already know Ji Mu, don't you?" Suddenly, this thought sprung up in Yu Hong's heart and she suddenly asked.
Tang Xiu himself did not try to hide it as he nodded and said, "I do. We've met a couple of times."
Yu Hong was left without words. Originally, she thought that Tang Xiu was a man who did not know the situation at all, a ridiculous boaster who bragged about things. Never did she expect that this guy turned out to have acquainted himself with that young master Ji. Now it was apparent that he was really confident when he made the bet with her, and was not just a braggart! She, on the contrary, foolishly held contempt toward him instead of taking a clear picture of the situation.
As she thought up to there, Yu Hong really wished that there was a hole on the floor where she could burrow herself into. She really had no face to see him again.
Tang Xiu then looked at the tearful Ren Ranran. His expression moved all of a sudden as he turned to look Yu Hong again and said with a smile, "Do you dare to make another bet?"
Yu Hong scornfully rolled her eyes at him and replied in a bitter tone, "You just won against me, what else can I bet with you?"
"I bet that Ji Mu will take his words back and accept Ren Ranran. Do you believe it or not?" Tang Xiu smiled.
Again, Yu Hong blanked and immediately rolled her eyes again, saying, "Are you still sane? Ji Mu has just firmly refused, and he did that in public. How the hell would he possibly take back his words given his character, huh?"
"I told you, do you dare to bet or not?" Asked Tang Xiu again.
Yu Hong hesitated for a bit and then said, "Fine. I'm in. I'll treat you for two months if you win, but we'll be even if you lose."
"Deal."
Tang Xiu smiled, got up to press his hands on the window, looked below and shouted, "Hey, Young Master Ji, when a woman throws away her dignity and reveals her innermost affection towards her love, it means that the man is the one who gains! Besides, she's already carrying your child, so why don't you take responsibility as a man? I heard that an irresponsible man will have a notorious reputation. That's right, someone told me that grinding a chopper won't delay the work of cutting firewood. You may have tons of other important things to do, but you still must have a family sooner or later!"
Below…
The moment Ji Mu heard that familiar voice, his whole being suddenly froze. When he looked up and saw Tang Xiu, his eyes were filled with disbelief, for he did not expect that he would see Tang Xiu here. Subsequently, the awkwardness and embarrassed drove him to secretly produce a wry and bitter smile. Tang Xiu had unexpectedly been watching all the while. This… was… virtually… shame and disgrace at its highest.
Nevertheless, he gave it a thought and suddenly felt that what Tang Xiu just said was reasonable. Ren Ranran even cast away her restraint and dignity as a woman, meaning that she had sealed her own path, and that the feeling she had for him was pure and sincere.
Like Tang Xiu said, grinding a chopper does not mean that the work of cutting wood will be delayed, while those "other things" he said should be pointed to his cultivation. Having a family while immersing himself in cultivation could indeed be carried out without affecting each other.
Should I bear the responsibility… or not?
Ji Mu's face was constantly changing as he slowly clenched his fists.
The tearful Ren Ranran also heard Tang Xiu's words and felt grateful inside. She did not know Tang Xiu, but she secretly decided to express her gratitude regardless of whether Ji Mu would eventually accept her or not.
At this moment, a woman in the crowd in black leather attire and holding a helmet suddenly looked up, stroked the hair on her forehead and shouted to Tang Xiu:
"HEY, YOU, HANDSOME! YOU SHOULD BE A RESPONSIBLE MAN SINCE YOU SAID THAT! DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND, BY CHANCE? IF NOT, WHY DON'T YOU CONSIDER ME?"
The originally smiling Tang Xiu suddenly froze. He scratched the back of his head with an expression of being at a loss whether he had to cry or laugh, and said, "Sorry, girl! I already got a good wife at home, so there's no bed left for you!"
With that said, he straightly pulled back his head and picked up the teacup with discomfiture.
All this while, Han Qingwu had yet to speak anything, but the smile on the corner of her mouth had not receded. She suddenly could not bear to chuckle and laugh upon seeing Tang Xiu who was now trying to conceal his discomfiture by picking up his teacup. Though Tang Xiu did say he wanted to have a bet with her good sister—Yu Hong a while ago, all in all, it turned out that he wanted to bring the romance to a happy ending, hence it made her feel that he just did a good job.
In contrast, Yu Hong felt different and could not help but roll her eyes after hearing Tang Xiu. At this moment, she saw the way Han Qingwu looked at Tang Xiu and suddenly couldn't bear to comment, "Tang Xiu, Ji Mu is a scion of the notable Ji Family in Changxi, whose eyes are always looking at the top. Do you think he will change his mind just because of your superficial words? Forget it, buddy."
"Whether or not he'll change his mind, who knows?" Tang Xiu put down the teacup and shrugged with a smile.
At the entrance to the restaurant.
Ji Mu's expression was still changing constantly. He looked at the tearful Ren Ranran, who was full of longing and anticipation. Eventually, he sighed inwardly and stepped forward. After he came before her, he gently wiped the tears on her face and said, "I have no vigorous and true love to give you. But if you are willing to be with me, give me three days. I'll talk to the elders of my family and then visit yours to discuss our marriage. Even if we can't marry, we can at least have an engagement first. Love is not a child's play, so give me some time to slowly nurture it."
Ren Ranran blinked, and tears flowed down from her eyes again. It was not sad tears this time, but tears of joy. She nodded repeated with a joyful expression, tightly hugged Ji Mu and released him, and then quickly said, "Please wait a bit."
With that said, she grabbed the sides of her bridal gown and ran into the restaurant. Under everyone's watchful eyes, she walked upstairs to the second floor, came to Tang Xiu's front, who was near the window, and then said with a grateful expression, "Thank you so much, Sir. I, Ren Ranran, might have not only lost my love but also my future happiness had it not because of your words today. I will always remember this benevolence and kindness. Please let me know if you have anything that requires my assistance, and I'll definitely do it to the best of my abilities."
"This girl is not bad." Tang Xiu secretly nodded.
Chapter 722: Helping A Romance To Have A Happy Ending
Tang Xiu smiled lightly and glanced at the flushed with shame Yu Hong, whose head was almost sunk to the bottom of the table. He then nodded casually and smilingly said, "Lending a hand to bring a romance to a happy ending is something that I'm naturally willing to do. Nevermind about it, I wish you to have a good life in the future."
At this time, Ji Mu also came to the second floor. Changxi may be his turf, but after he stood before Tang Xiu, he still said with a respectful expression, "I was enlightened by what you just said, Brother Tang. I didn't know you were visiting Changxi, so I neglected my part as a good host to entertain you well. I apologize for that."
"If anything, I'm just here for personal matters, so there's no need for being overly formal." Tang Xiu waved his hand. "Anyhow, you already accepted your wife to be and will soon bear your child too, so you had better take her home to have a rest."
"How could I do that, Brother Tang? You just came and as a host, I should entertain you well. Also, if you are going to stay in Changxi for a few days, I'll immediately book a hotel for you. Or you can opt to stay in my villa here if you don't want to. I have an unoccupied villa here, so you can stay there any time you want."
Everyone around was immediately struck dumb after hearing him, and even his best buddies were dumbfounded and speechless as though they could hardly believe what they heard.
Even Yu Hong herself was stunned at this time. Though she knew that her good sister Han Qingwu had an unrequited crush on her own student, she also knew that this very student had quite the abilities as he just started his own business and set up a company. But she did not know about anything else other than that.
But now, it seemed that Tang Xiu was way too good to be true, right? To think that even the scion of the Ji Family of Changxi had to put on such a respectful attitude before him. How was this possible?
Is it possible that… this Tang Xiu has a very honorable identity or something? Could it be that his influence is much more powerful than his Ji Family?
At the same time, Ren Ranran was also stunned, as she could tell from Ji Mu's words that not only he knew this young man who helped her, but also was very respectful towards him. She knew Ji Mu perfectly well, and there was no young man in the entire Changxi who could make this guy act this respectful, neither in the whole province and only very few in the whole country.
Who can this benefactor be? From where this honorable being comes from that can make Ji Mu respect him so much?
Glancing at everyone's shocked expressions, Tang Xiu helplessly said, "Your woman is pregnant, Ji Mu, and she just went through such an emotional experience. You had better take her back to rest well so as to avoid a miscarriage. Besides, I came here with a friend to deal with a personal issue, so I'll return back to Shanghai this evening. There's no need to trouble you about it while I'm here."
Looking at Ren Ranran's belly, Ji Mu hesitated a bit and then said, "Alright, I'll escort her back first, and come over again to accompany you after she's settled. Brother Tang, I'm a Changxi local—a king here you may say, so I can help you deal with things here if you encounter any minor problem."
"Are you some kind of dogskin plaster or something?" Grunted Tang Xiu. After saying that, however, he felt that his actions seemed not to give Ji Mu face, so he continued, "But since you got nothing to do, then fine. Come over again later!"
"Sure thing!" Ji Mu was actually a bit embarrassed, but the following sentence from Tang Xiu immediately made him happy. He then grabbed Ren Ranran and went downstairs.
Tang Xiu's gaze followed the duo's back as they left, and suddenly spoke, "Hey, do remember to notify me when you get married. I'll prepare some great gifts."
JI Mu's pace halted and his heartbeat sped up. He immediately turned around to express his thanks with a serious expression and then left with Ren Ranran, who looked confused.
After the noisy event, everyone in the entire restaurant now knew that Tang Xiu was some kind of a great celestial being seeing as even the young master of the Ji Family acted that respectful toward him. Nobody dared to come over to hit a conversation with him. They measured and asked themselves: Do I have enough qualifications?
At this moment, Yu Hong gaped her mouth so wide that even a duck egg could fit in. The shocked expression on her face lasted for a few minutes, as she then snapped back to her senses like being awakened from a dream. She gulped down and glanced at Han Qingwu, who was still eating. While still being overwhelmed with uneasiness, she asked, "T-Tang… Tang Xiu, exactly which honorable person are you? Ji Mu… he's a proud man to the bones, but how can he act like a grandson before you?"
Tang Xiu rolled his eyes at her and snappily said with a smile, "Hey! You're an adult belle, yet your mouth kind of runs loose, no? I have yet to get married and have a wife, and neither do I have any sons. How could I possibly have a grandson, huh? I told you I met Ji Mu a couple of times and we're just friends!"
Yu Hong pouted and wore an expression that she did not buy his explanation in the slightest.
Han Qingwu suddenly raised her head and looked at Yu Hong, saying, "Honghong, just hurry and eat your meal, will you? The dishes have been served for quite a while and it will be cold if you don't eat them now."
"Okay. I'll eat!"
Seeing that Tang Xiu did not want to entertain her, Yu Hong suppressed the resentful yet doubtful feeling she had deep down.
Below the restaurant.
Ji Mu sat in the driver seat on his Ferrari. After starting the car, he then drove it away. But Ren Ranran, who sat in the passenger seat, still looked confused, though she was very happy inside. She then asked, "Ji Mu, that Tang… exactly who is this Mr. Tang? You seem to… to value him very much?"
Ji Mu glanced at her and then said slowly, "He has a very special identity that I can't tell you now. But you must remember something. Later on, you can annoy anyone in the world, but never once must you provoke him."
"Is he really powerful?" Ren Ranran was astounded.
The smile on Ji Mu's force was a bit forced as he sighed, "Far more than powerful. Eradicating both our Ji and Ren Families is even easier than killing an ant for him."
"This…" Ren Ranran was completely shaken. She had heard a lot about powerful figures, but never once had she heard of anyone who could easily destroy the Ji and Ren Families. Granted that… even if he was a scion of the most powerful clan in the capital, there was no way it was an achievable feat, no?
However, she too felt that Ji Mu was unlikely to speak out such big words either. Hence, what exactly was all this about?
Ji Mu seemed to realize what she had in mind and gave a longer explanation, "There are many people in the world who we can't afford to annoy, Ranran. What I told you is the truth! When I described how powerful he is, that's the lowest estimation that disparages his power already. You also know about those prominent clans in the capital, don't you? Even those genuine powerful families are nothing but ants in his eyes. Do remember my words, do not look at him with normal eyes, and you must be respectful in front of him. Even if he wants to kill us, we must be the ones who take the initiative to give it on our own."
Hiss… Ren Ranran gasped and felt a chill down her spine.
Ji Mu still felt that his explanation was still not enough and gave a simple summary, "Just forget it, I'll tell you more. He's the secret Big Boss of the Magnificent Tang Corporation, and also a junior of the Tang Family of Beijing. But everything he has is little to nothing related to the Tang Family. The horrifying power he holds is not something even one hundred Tang Families added up can be compared with."
"Aren't you describing a God?" Ren Ranran's lips were quivering as she interjected.
Ji Mu suddenly felt that Ren Ranran's description was quite correct because, in his eyes, Tang Xiu was a definition of what a God was like; the sort who was far removed from the masses and reality, an abnormally dreadful demon god.
"That's also one way to describe him."
Now, Ren Ranran was completely shaken. After a long while, she came back to her senses and said, "Anyways, I just saw Yu Hong there, and she seems to know Mr. Tang."
Ji Mu stared for a moment as a pondering look immediately appeared on his face. After half a minute, only then did he slowly speak, "There will be some opportunities in the future, so try to get closer to Yu Hong. Also, speak with the elders in your family to maintain a good relationship with the Yu Family in the future."
As a very smart person, Ren Ranran immediately caught Ji Mu's meaning.
After the Ferrari ran past the road quite far, Ji Mu spoke in a low voice, "Ranran, we have known each other for a very long time, thus we both know our own roots and also each other's characters. I will naturally take the responsibility since you are now carrying my child. But then again, I can't just take this feeling half-heartedly, so I want us to get along well together in the future. I'm sure I can nurture this feeling slowly, so let's get engaged first. We'll continue discussing about the marriage after the elders of our families have decided the engagement date."
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
Ren Ranran reluctantly released her grip on his hand and nodded with delight.
Time flew by.
Tang Xiu, Han Qingwu, and Yu Hong did not rush to leave after having lunch, but let the waiter clean up the table, and then asked for a pot of tea while waiting for Ji Mu to come back.
During this time, Tang Xiu did not talk much and only listened quietly to Yu Hong and Han Qingwu's conversation about some funny things they came across in life. At 14:30, Ji Mu finally rushed back.
"Anyways, we'll attend to our things at eight tonight, so we got nothing to do this afternoon. Do you a recommendation?" Asked Tang Xiu.
"Are you, by chance, going to watch the fights in the underground fighting arena, Brother Tang?" Asked Ji Mu, surprised.
"Eh, you know about it?" Asked Tang Xiu again.
"The underground fighting competition's final is going to be held in Changxi, so I naturally know about it," said Ji Mu with a smile. "I originally did not have time for that tonight because I already agreed to hang out with my buddies and watch the match together."
"Alright then. Let's go together!" Tang Xiu nodded. "Now, let's see to our schedule this afternoon."
Ji Mu thought for a moment, and then asked, "How about going to the Red Pavilion? We can have tea and also watch the theatrical play over there. If you want to watch a concert, there will one in the afternoon. If you two ladies are willing, I happen to know the Manager of the Red Pavilion's Cosmetics and Hairdressing area, and you can ask the service of the ladies there to apply makeup on you."
Han Qingwu suddenly asked, "This Red Pavilion you mentioned, do they have a gym?"
"Yeah, there's also a fitness area there." Ji Mu nodded.
"Alright, let's head there, then!" Said Han Qingwu. "Anyways, don't you have something else to do this afternoon, Honghong? You don't have to keep us company and just tend to your things. You can call us later after you're done with it."
Yu Hong hesitated for a moment, and then replied, "Nevermind it. I'll call them saying that I have something to do and move it to another time. Even Young Master Ji can squeeze his time to accompany you, so if I leave…"
"No need, girl. Just go ahead and tend to your things first. You can call me again after you're done. It's fine, really. I will feel quite bad if your important matters were to be delayed because of me." Han Qingwu did not want her to know that she was participating in the underground fighting match, hence the interruption.