Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 515: "... two seconds of pleasure...,"
When they were alone Qie Xieling’s lips twitched, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. The absurdity of the situation finally struck him, and he couldn’t help but let out a bewildered laugh, though this time it was tinged with disbelief.
"That bastard... he promised," mumbled Qie Xieling and Jolie broke down in laughter making him feel worse.
"Your father said the same thing to your dad. Of course, they all lie," said Jolie finding it so funny that she couldn’t stay on the bed. With a thud, she fell to the floor and began rolling in laughter. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖
"I am going save him so I can kill him with my own hand," said Qie Xieling looking down at the belly that looked so flat. Meanwhile, Luo Muchen who was practising his swordsmanship felt his entire body shiver but it wasn’t from the cold. He looked into the distant night sky unable to shake the ominous feeling.
"Oh come on. Do you think you would make a great single parent? Don’t you remember what happened to the cactus your nana gave to you? Who kills a cactus for heaven’s sake?" said Jolie and Qie Xieling couldn’t help but kick her gently while she was lying on the floor.
"How on earth do you know everything? You are so nosy," said Qie Xieling and Jolie who loved gossip and drama couldn’t deny it.
"Fine, I won’t kill him but I will make him regret it. He is such a liar," she said and Jolie’s laughter finally died down.
"You fainted because you didn’t eat. I guess that little guy in your belly sucked all your energy away. Let’s go feed you," she said and Qie Xieling for once thought that Jolie was being thoughtful but boy was he wrong.
When he reached the outdoor table set for him and all the elders from the different mercenary clans lanterns were casting a warm glow over the scene. It created a sense of grandeur and serenity. The table was adorned with decorations, showcasing elegance and refinement. This was their way of welcoming him and Qie Xieling was quite impressed. It was just as good as his wedding. He took his seat next to Jolie, and couldn’t help but admire the ambience.
As the aroma of various delicacies wafted through the air, Qie Xieling’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. The foodie in him was getting quite restless.
However, his excitement was suddenly tempered when he saw Jolie’s expression. His lips twitched suspecting that she was up to no good. When the food was presented, a rich array of spicy and mild dishes tempted him but Jolie gently smacked his hand away from the fiery dishes, indicating his inability to partake in the spiciness due to his condition.
Qie Xieling, "..."
"You are joking, right?" he said only for Jolie to shake her head.
"We made a bet and you lost so I get to decide what you are going to eat," she said and they brought forth a steaming bowl of fish head and tofu soup, the gentle flavours and nourishing warmth promising comfort and respite.
Qie Xieling who was picky about food, "..."
Everyone at home knew his preferences. This here was something he would never eat. He glared at Jolie but what use was it?
"Your majesty it will be good for the baby," said one of the elders and Qie Xieling’s eyes widened. He changed his mind. He was going to kick Luo Muchen’s ass when he saw him.
He picked up the fish head with his chopsticks. It had been cut in the middle and opened up like a book. The soup dripped into the bowl as he came face to face with the fish eyes that were looking at him.
The look of annoyance on his face was apparent. He wouldn’t mind eating the fish head but damn it should have a little bit of chilli oil on it.
"The price of two seconds of pleasure is ten months without chilli unless you want heartburn or indigestion. You did the tango now you do the time," she said and Qie Xieling pouted his lips and took a bite. It was delicious but it wasn’t to his taste.
Jolie laughed seeing his aggrieved face. She was getting too much pleasure out of this. "Eat the fish eyes too. It is a great source of omega-3, vitamin A and protein," she whispered and Qie Xieling poked the fish eye while pretending it was Jolie’s eye he was poking.
The air was soon filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of utensils. The gentle flicker of lantern light danced across their faces, casting a warm and intimate glow over the table. It was like a new dawn had come and the heavens had smiled upon them. The grandson of the Grand King had been discovered and he was even going to have an heir. How could this not be a reason to celebrate?
***
Master Zi arrived at the bustling city where the martial arts competition was about to begin. The excitement in the air was palpable as fighters from various clans and small families gathered to showcase their skills. However, Master Zi’s mind was preoccupied with concern for his daughter, Zi Mixen. He had received a letter that she wasn’t well thus he was worried half to death.
As he entered her chambers, his heart sank at the sight of her. Zi Mixen’s complexion was ashen, and her usual vibrant energy was replaced by an even more frail and weakened state. With a sense of urgency, Master Zi rushed to her side, pushing past the attendants and concubines who followed him in. His concern was evident as he gently cradled her hand in his own.
Zi Mixen’s feeble voice barely reached his ears as she tried to speak. "Father, I... I don’t feel well," she murmured, her words strained with effort. Master Zi’s brow furrowed with worry as he caressed her forehead, feeling the warmth of her fever.
The other members of the Zi family exchanged knowing glances, some with subtle expressions of scepticism. They had witnessed her frequent bouts of illness and her tendency to draw attention to herself, often exaggerating her condition to garner sympathy. One of the concubines with eyes similar to Qie Xieling’s snorted silently finding her act less than impressive. She could put on a better performance than her.
