Chapter 144: The Trade (R18?)
Standing in front of the imposing edifice that was their home, the twins were dressed in winter padded jackets that were meant to warm their hearts, yet their faces were etched with bitterness.
Gazing up at her master, Wei Yi, her expression composed despite being unnerved, whispered in a pleading tone, "Master..."
Bubai gave his timid maids a warm smile, patting their heads affectionately. "Serve him well, and you'll be back by tomorrow.”
The teary-eyed Wei Er bit her lip to suppress her sniffles, while the older sister struggled to maintain her composure, bowing her head in acknowledgment of his directive.
“Hahaha!” A hearty laugh came from devil standing behind the twins, “Brother Mo, don't worry, I, Jia Shizi, will make sure they return in one piece."
Jia Shizi then ushered the two maids away. “Come, don’t delay your master’s good matter.”
Holding hands, the twins ventured forth with hesitant steps, following the footsteps of the devil while stealing glances back at their silent master over and over… their hearts getting farther and farther apart.
Watching them until they were out of sight, Bubai’s gaze trailed up to the skies.
Alas… the sun was not there to greet him.
Bubai finally turned back, a mischievous grin already plastered onto his face. He wrapped his arm around the waist of two cloaked beauties waiting nearby. "Let's go in."
Bubai led the way with confidence, entering the tower, and...
He was immediately greeted by the sight of the violet-haired Xiao Lan standing by the door of the storage room. Her icy gaze swept over the newcomers, a chill settling in the air as she slid the door shut with a resolute click.
The mature, velvety voice of one of the cloaked women broke the tense silence. "Oya? Is there a problem?"
Chuckling, Bubai shook his head dismissively, pulling the two women closer. "Just ignore her. Let's go up and play.”
Bedchamber.
Bubai silently inserted the lit incense stick into the ornate incense burner resting atop the side table.
As wisps of fragrant smoke begin to curl upward, he withdraws his hand and steals a glance at the tall mirror adjacent to the table.
There, reflected in its surface, he spies the mother and daughter duo shedding their coarse brown cloaks, revealing their inner attire with a subtle elegance.
The daughter, Jia Wan, retains her familiar black swimsuit, her cascading waves of light blonde hair framing her face and draping gracefully over her shoulder and collarbone.
Meanwhile, Jia Fei still had her blonde hair secured in a messy bun, yet her outstanding figure was now showcasing a striking new style...
Turning around, Bubai's gaze locks onto the supermodel approaching him.
His eyes trail down her voluptuous form, taking in the details of her stylish robe.
A pair of lavender cloth bands hung from her neck, exerting their utmost effort to carry her ample bosoms. The two narrow stripes of fabric descends into the layers of fabric tightly coiling around her waist, cinched with a knot just above her navel.
Completing the ensemble is a swath of white silk that wraps around her upper thighs, adding a touch of ethereal elegance to her expressive exhibition.
Truly, a bombshell.
Cloaked in an air thick with ambiguity, the enchanting babe came to a stop before him.
Her cerulean eyes were like a whirlpool, drawing in his attention as they lazily gave him a once-over.
Noting the reactions in the proper locations, the mature beauty’s lips curved into a smile, knowing full well she has gotten the attention she deserved.
But she wasn’t done, she was just getting started...
Oh... it’s going to be a long day, and he will definitely make the most of the full version of their sacrifice...
Like a tribute, the incense’s dreamy smoke lazily curled and swirled through the air, coiling and dancing around the trio in a surreal ambiance reminiscent of dragons and phoenixes wandering through Wonderland.
With each curling wisp, the room becomes increasingly enchanted, eventually cocooning the trio in a blanket of fragrant mist and shrouding the bedroom in a soft, hazy fog...
Amidst the haze, a faint chant echoed, the words barely discernible as they whispered through the mist, “...Jia Wan… first time… father… orders...”
As the chant grew louder, the mist began to tremble and churn, parting ways to reveal a luxurious bathhouse, the air thick with warm steam and the scent of exotic oils.
In the center of the vision, a small rectangular container was held by two fair, slender hands, a viscous liquid flowing into it like a waterfall from the imaginary beyond.
When the last drop trickled in, the vision panned up, and a muscular man with a mane of hair entered the scene.
The man turned to look over, revealing the familiar grinning face of Jia Shizi, his eyes alight with anticipation, "Oh, have you collected it?"
Jia Shizi walked over, his bare abs trembling in the soft light.
Facing the approaching man, the two fair arms offered up the container. Accompanying this tribute was a young female’s excited voice, "Father, this is my first harvest."
Jia Shizi took the container, his eyes gleaming with fervor as he lifted it to his nose and took a whiff.
"This vitality... Interesting, interesting! Hahaha!"
The fascinated man’s grin widened further, his laughter echoing off the white jade walls of the bathhouse.
"I thought it was just my strong vitality sensing technique being too sensitive, but I never expected to get such a good deal. This is the perfect supplement for body refinement cultivators like me!"
Jia Shizi’s eyes gleamed with a manic intensity as he continued, "His body must be special. Once I confirm the reason, I can report it to great grandfather to see if I can exchange him from the elder's hand."
Just then, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Father, did I do a good job?"
Jia Shizi's gaze softened as he looked down at his daughter, his grin softening into a smile. "Of course, good work, Jia Wan."
The young woman’s arms wrapped around her father's legs, looking up at him. "Can Jia Wan get a reward?"
Jia Shizi's hand reached down, tousling her hair affectionately. "Of course, my darling.”
Jia Shizi handed off the container to Jia Fei, who had arrived in the nick of time with a smile on her face.
Ready to bask in the warmth of his family’s love, Jia Shizi's hands reached down, his abs trembling with excitement, “Now, let father reward Wan’er well…”
In the hazy aftermath of the scene, the warm steam from the bathhouse seemed to tremble, as if recoiling from the darkness it had witnessed.
Shortly after, the steam crashed inwards like a wave, washing away the sanctum of the twisted intentions that had lingered in the air.
Sitting on the bed in a serene lotus position, Bubai's eyes fluttered open, his expression tranquil despite the storm of thoughts raging within. "So that's what he's after..."
His gaze drifted to the young blonde beauty sleeping peacefully on his left side, her features softened in slumber.
He then glanced at the layer of incense lazily drifting in the air, his thoughts momentarily lost in the gentle dance of fragrant smoke.
But he didn’t let the haze cloud his mind for long. His gaze drifted to the bedroom door, which creaked open slowly under the push of the violet-haired beauty.
Xiao Lan paused at the threshold, her frigid gaze sweeping over the room before she stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her.
When she turned to face him, Bubai was already approaching with a calm demeanor, meeting her gaze without hesitation.
Xiao Lan’s eyes flickered briefly to the two blonde beauties asleep on the bed, their bodies marred by bruises and stains, before asking in a hushed tone, "Okay?"
"Fine.” Bubai gently grasped her hand. “Sorry you have to see that."
Xiao Lan’s face was expressionless, yet her gaze was as piercing as her voice. "Why?"
Bubai's gaze held a solemn intensity as he stared into the cold beauty's eyes, his confession low and steady, "That guy has his sights set on you.”
For a moment, Xiao Lan remained silent, her demeanor as cool as ever. Then, in a tone devoid of emotion, she asked, "Trouble?"
Bubai didn’t hide the weighty information he fished up, his voice measured and grave. "He is the great grandson of the grand elder of this sect."
Upon hearing his words, Xiao Lan bowed her head in contemplation, a brief silence enveloping them.
When she lifted her gaze to meet his once more, her voice was soft, almost tentative. "If you need me to-"
But before she could finish her offer, Bubai covered her lips with his hand, his expression stern. "Don't get any stupid ideas. I can give away everyone, but I will never give up on you."
Xiao Lan's eyes trembled imperceptibly, her lips pressed together as she absorbed his words.
Shortly after, her hand rose to gently stroke his face, her touch cool against his skin as she searched his eyes for understanding. "Why?"
Bubai pulled her into an embrace, his arms wrapping around her waist protectively, his gaze never leaving hers. "Because you're worth it.”
She was silenced by his words, yet her expression remained inscrutable as her eyes stared into his soul...
Slowly, her icy expression began to melt, her arms finding their way around his neck.
Like a magnet, the beauty let herself fall into the abyss, letting their lips met in a tender kiss, a mixture of coolness and underlying passion intertwining in the moment.
But just as the heat began to intensify between them, Bubai gently pulled back, breaking the connection.
Xiao Lan's flushed cheeks betrayed her confusion as she opened her eyes, searching his for answers.
"Time for work?" Bubai asked, his voice breaking the spell they had woven.
Reining in her emotions, Xiao Lan nodded, her arms freeing Bubai. Bubai tenderly rubbed her hand, a silent promise in his touch. "Wait for me to come back.”
“En.” The expressionless beauty nodded, her gaze following him as he left the room, a flicker of suppressed emotions betraying the mask she wore so well.
Book Pavilion.
Granny Shu peered at the young man before her desk, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.
"Hum, it's rare for you to request time off, young Bubai," she remarked, her voice warm with familiarity.
"Yes, Shu Po Po," Bubai lowered his head, "Junior has matters to handle."
The old granny considered his request for a moment before nodding thoughtfully. "Is a day enough? If not, feel free to tell this old lady.”
Bubai nodded gratefully. "Yes, a day should suffice. Junior doesn't want to keep fairy waiting for too long."
Granny Shu smiled, her wrinkles deepening with the expression. "This old lady will let her know. Now, go on. Don't overwork yourself, young Bubai."
With a courteous salute, Bubai bid farewell and turned to leave the hall, his steps purposeful yet light.
After Bubai departed, the old granny's nose twitched, catching a whiff of the lingering scent, “Sweet Dream Incense?”
A knowing smile graced her lips as she closed her eyes, a momentary sense of satisfaction washing over her. "Fufu... my investment is not wasted."