TRT – Chapter 21 Night

I Don’t Want to Grow Up…

The Lord of Weiyang Gate’s order, the key to Busan Tomb, and King Luo. As long as you obtain any one of these three things, the mission is complete. Guard Yang will protect you from the shadows. If there’s any news, I’ll have him pass it along. Any questions?

“…Mm… if I fail the mission and get caught, can I give you up instead?”

“You must insist that everything was done under my instructions.”

“Cunning…”

“…”

“I’m leaving now.”

“Minmin…”

“Spit it out if you have something to say! Or fart it out quick!” (whispering)

“Will you… hate me?”

“Are you joking? My eyes went wide—how could I possibly hate you?—Of course I hate you!”

“…Heh… hehe… yes… yes… That’s good. You haven’t changed at all…”

“Being hated is good? You pervert… Hey, don’t touch me!”

“There are many women in King Luo’s manor. Naturally, you’ll have to endure some hardships. Just take it as training, Minmin. Don’t let me down.”

“I got it… Let go of me! I’ll bite you!”

“…Why did you choose me?”

“Because you’re handsome.”

“….”

“Sorry, just kidding, don’t leave! Fine, it’s because… I think… having you protect me… feels the safest…” (Comrade Yang is really dedicated~)

“I… will never let you get hurt.”

“Mm. …And I will definitely get Big Fox to give you a raise…”

“By the way, if I need you later, how should I call you out? Could you make me a whistle? The kind used to call eagles!”

“I’ll always be following you in secret. No need to call.”

“Boring…”

“…”

“Hey, how about I call you Guo’er?”

“Suit yourself.”

“Mm… but you should still make me a whistle?”

“No.”

“When I’m bathing, you won’t peek, right?”

“….”

“And not when I go to the toilet either!”

“….”

“And also—”

“Enough! I’ll make you a whistle.”

“Qingqing, let’s get some water to wash off this makeup. Who knows what kind of cheap cosmetics that beauty-snake Jiwen used on me—my face still itches! I think I’m allergic.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. King Luo hasn’t come out yet. How can you show yourself bare-faced? That’s too improper.”

“This is called facing each other with honesty, showing my natural face! That way he won’t be shocked later if my bare face looks too different.”

“You chatterbox! Feeling itchy again, huh? Sit properly! Xiaotao spoiled you too much. Good thing I have this time to discipline you!”

“Wuuhh…” Someone immediately showed the cowardly side of a petty commoner who bullies the weak and fears the strong.

“Miss Minmin, the master has already retired and it’s inconvenient to summon him. Tomorrow, the Fourth Prince is hosting a banquet, and the master respectfully invites Miss Minmin to attend. Please do give him face.”

“Damn King Luo! You were the one who asked me to come stay here, and now that I’m here you put on airs?”

“For the mission… I’ll endure!”

“Fine, I’ll go.” (Smiling sweetly, like a flower.)

“Good~ Then this servant will take Miss Minmin to her room. If you have any instructions, please tell me. My surname is Ren. If you can’t remember, just call me Steward.”

“Your surname is Ren?”

“Yes, yes, just something casual.”

“What’s your given name?”

“A lowly servant like me doesn’t deserve a good name. The master calls me whatever he likes.”

“How about Ren Woxing (Let-Me-Do-As-I-Please)? What do you think?” I stared excitedly at the thin and deferential steward.

“Eh… ah?”

“Min—min—!” Qingqing’s eyes narrowed dangerously…

“Ah, I was just saying, don’t take it seriously, haha…”

“Ah…”

“Steward Ren, please trouble yourself to lead us to our quarters.” Qingqing bowed gracefully. Honestly, I felt she slipped into her role faster than I did.

“Ah, of course, of course! Please, this way—”

(Insert elegant description of King Luo’s mansion gardens here.)

(Insert refined and comfortable description of the guest room here. …Hey! Even laziness has its limits!)

After being settled in, washing my face, and removing my makeup, I sat fresh and clean on the bed…

“Two baths a day, extra candles provided… Miss Minmin, do you have any other requests?”

“Mm… I’m hungry.”

“Right away! I’ll have them prepare some food at once.”

“Remember to bring a fresh cucumber!”

“Eh… a cucumber?”

“Preferably sliced and chilled. If not chilled, room temp will do~”

“May I be so bold as to ask… what will the cucumber slices be used for?”

“For a face mask!”

“A face… understood! I’ll prepare them for you immediately!”

“Thank you!” I smiled sweetly. This steward really had a good temper. Looks like King Luo’s manor is going to be fun~

“Ah, this humble one doesn’t deserve thanks. Whatever Miss Minmin wants, just say it.”

“One last question: Am I allowed to keep pets here?”

“What would you like to keep? The manor has golden-maned lion dogs from a recent tribute, and a few tricolor cats. If those don’t please you, I can go to the bird-and-flower markets tomorrow and find something for you!”

“Then… could I keep a leopard?”

“….”

“A little tiger?”

“….”

“A giant python?”

“….”

“Piranhas?”

“….”

That night, our poor Steward Ren had nightmares the whole night…

“Is that so?” King Luo chuckled softly, adjusting the bronze lamp wick. “Ren Woxing? Her thoughts are indeed straightforward. Steward Ren!”

“Here.”

“What do you think of this name?”

“I think… I…” The poor steward froze on the spot, not knowing what his unfathomable master meant.

“I think it suits you well. Not bad at all.”

“Ah? …Yes.”

“Lian You, what do you think of this Minmin?”

So cute~ Lian You stood there grinning with her hands hanging down. You’d never guess this little girl could be so imposing when she was raising a pet~ (Is that what you call imposing?)

…The whole room fell into an awkward silence…

“Lian Zuo, what do you think?” Someone quickly changed the subject.

“Don’t know yet.” Lian Zuo’s expression was the same old No. 101 face, never changing.

“And the others? Have you checked the people around her?”

“That maid has no problems. So far, it doesn’t look like she has any hidden guards protecting her. Of course, if there are, they must be masters.”

“Master…” Butler Ren spoke hesitantly. King Luo nodded for him to continue.

“Master, why did you bring this Minmin into the residence? She came here as the Fourth Prince’s person. If His Majesty finds out, he’ll suspect you’ve sided with that faction. Better to avoid trouble when you can—why invite this risk?”

“Heh… Well, no matter how you put it, I once promised to betroth Minmin to someone. I can’t go back on my word, can I?” King Luo glanced at Lian You with amusement.

“Oh no! Please don’t tease me! How would I dare to steal someone’s beloved!” Lian You instantly put on an exaggeratedly mischievous look and gave King Luo a formal bow.

“Slippery fellow!”

When Luo Cheng came crashing through the window, I was taking a bath.

It’s a lie to say you’re not nervous in a new environment. Everyone has their own rituals—some pray, some scream in private, some kiss their lover, some get tattoos, some change clothes to change their mood. As for me, before any big event, I solemnly take a bath. For example, before finals, I wouldn’t just wash and change clothes, I’d also carefully trim my nails, as if all bad luck got washed away with the dirt, leaving only good fortune behind!

So there I was, sitting in the tub, scrubbing my cute little toes one by one, belting out “Sister, march boldly forward!” to cheer myself up, when suddenly—bam! A flash of white shot through the window faster than lightning. I’d locked it, I swear!

That blur of white landed gracefully and turned into a tall, elegant young gentleman. He shook open a folding fan, smiling as he looked at me, and said, “Little kitten~ Long time no see~” The teasing in his eyes was obvious.

I was sure of it—God had set Himself against me!

When I desperately wanted clothes, He wouldn’t let me have them. Once I accepted the perks of this new society and didn’t want clothes anymore, He just had to throw me back to ancient times!

When I deliberately left my doors and windows open hoping some handsome man would stumble upon me bathing, not even an ant came. But the moment I just wanted a quiet bath, He had to toss a pervert in through the window!

Breathing deep into my belly, I was about to shout for help when that lecher floated over and clamped a hand over my mouth! Yes, floated—his feet never even touched the ground!

As if that weren’t enough, his other hand was wandering over my collarbone! Maybe I should just scream “Molester!” instead—it’d be more accurate…

“I suggest you don’t shout anything,” the rogue said cheerfully. “You have no idea how many women in this residence are waiting to catch you in a scandal so they can kick you out. If someone saw us like this, you wouldn’t last in King Luo’s manor~”

I can’t call for help? That’s true—if I get kicked out now, I won’t just fail my mission, I won’t even meet King Luo! My eyes narrowed dangerously. Fine. I’ll deal with him myself!

Even as my brain was spinning, my body reacted—my right elbow shot back viciously! But he caught it in an instant and laughed. “Again? The place you kicked me last time still hurts, you know!” Then he twisted my arm around his waist and yanked me against him. “Kitten claws may be sharp, but catching me won’t be that easy~”

I struggled. “Who was it that couldn’t even move after I kicked him last time?!”

“That was an accident. You’re the first girl who’s ever dared hit me… Don’t move! I’ll see everything~” He effortlessly pinned my flailing arms and, with unbelievable strength, lifted me straight out of the water into his arms! Now I really didn’t dare move.

“You-you-you!!” I was so panicked I wanted to cry. Never in my life had I been so helpless, left to be taken advantage of! “What do you want from me?!”

“Nothing much. I like kittens—I like you very much~ Of course I want to kiss and hug you. Doesn’t kitten want that?” His elegant, flirtatious face actually looked wounded, like I was in the wrong!

“Want it?! Who the hell would want to be harassed!” He carried me toward the bed. I was so furious I wanted to scream at the sky: Is there no justice in this world?

“I don’t want it! I don’t want it! A million times I don’t want it!!!”

“Oh…” The rogue looked disappointed, then bent down and kissed my forehead before gently putting me back into the tub.

I was dumbstruck. What… what is this guy playing at?!

“What’s wrong? Little kitten, are you disappointed?” He leaned on the tub, teasing strands of my wet hair, smiling slyly. “We can keep going~”

“Luo Cheng.”

“Mm?”

“Do you know who I am?”

“Yes. I saw you dance~”

“…Then what do you like about me?”

“Your head, the way you dance… and your personality. Very interesting~”

…I really wanted to smack him.

“Mm?”

“Nothing… Do you flirt with every girl you find interesting?”

“No. I dote on them~”

…I really wanted to smack him.

“Mm?”

“Nothing… Comrade Luo Cheng, don’t you think this is wrong? Won’t those girls resent your frivolous behavior?”

“No… they’re all very happy~”

This time I was speechless!

“Women are lonely yet beautiful creatures, meant to be admired. Women are meant to be cherished~ With a man like me to accompany and spoil them, how could they not be happy?” Luo Cheng smiled. “If kitten doesn’t like this, then what do you like? Zither, chess, calligraphy, painting—I can keep you company in all of them. How about it?”

I looked at him, realizing my mistake. I thought he was just some pretty boy who seduced married women. Now I knew—he was a professional! Not only had he elevated womanizing to an art form, but his understanding of women was almost postmodern…

“No thanks. I’m not lonely at all. Please, just stay far away from me.” I waved frantically to shoo him off. “Go tend to your lonely, beautiful creatures. Busy yourself elsewhere!”

“Hehe… Usually no one can make me leave. But you’re afraid I won’t go.” He stood up, twirling his fan. “I was going to tell you something, but… what a pity~”

This bastard even dangled bait in front of me!

But people are like that—the moment someone withholds information, the value of that information skyrockets.

“Spit it out!” I curled up in the tub, glaring.

“And what do I get in return?” He leaned close, his fragrance curling around me, his refined brows and eyes made even more sensual in the steam. I could suddenly understand why girls giggled even after being teased by him…

“That depends on how valuable your news is…” I narrowed my eyes, pretending to smile.

“For example… the whereabouts of the Hun Tian Pearl.” His voice dipped, silky and electric, making me shiver!

And I really did shiver—only from sheer excitement! I grabbed his collar, stammering, “Y-you know where it is?!”

“Of course~” His smile turned wicked.

“Tell me! Tell me!”

“Kiss me.”

“Fine, fine!” I grabbed his neck and planted a loud smacking kiss on his cheek!

He blinked, touched the spot, then smiled dangerously. “Doesn’t count.”

“How does it not count?! You—you liar!”

“Mm… I’m a liar. So what?”

“You—!” I fumed. “What do you want then?!”

“Kiss here.” He lifted my hand and pressed it to his lips. “A serious kiss~”

I recoiled like burned, my face flushing. “Y-you… how can you…”

“How can I what?” He chuckled, watching me curl into a ball in the tub.

Honestly, I don’t have the girlish hang-up about a “first kiss.” A kiss is just two mouths bumping into each other! And this was a priceless clue about the Hun Tian Pearl—it was worth it! But what if he was tricking me? What if I kissed him and accidentally aroused him? Judging by earlier, I definitely couldn’t fight him off… But if I missed this chance, who knew when I’d hear about the Pearl again? And besides, if he really wanted to force himself on me, I couldn’t stop him anyway. At least now the initiative was in my hands. Shouldn’t I use it? But… but… ughhh…

While I was trapped in this raging inner battle, he twisted the knife: “If you don’t want to, forget it. You can search slowly on your own. Maybe… you’ll just happen to stumble across it. Well then, I’ll be going~”

“Hold it right there—!!”

Somewhere I found the courage. I shot up from the tub, grabbed him, and kissed him hard! Or maybe bit him… Our teeth clashed, and all I could think was: Why do people even like this ridiculous exercise?!

Luo Cheng froze, then laughed softly, wrapping an arm around my bare waist. In a swift motion he flipped me beneath him, kissing me deeply, teasing, licking, sometimes rough, sometimes gentle, tracing the curve of my lips, then arrogantly forcing his tongue inside! I’d never realized how sensitive a mouth could be—he invaded everywhere, unstoppable, and sparks shot through me like lightning up my spine! My knees buckled, and I melted against him, unable even to breathe. So this is what it means to be kissed weak at the knees… This man was definitely a top-tier kisser!

Suddenly—BANG! A loud crash at the door! We both looked up.

There stood Guard Yang, face dark, eyes blazing with fury!

I nearly jumped out of my skin!

There I was, naked in Luo Cheng’s arms, cheeks flushed, lips wet, eyes hazy. In this situation… this situation… should I say I was drowning in the bath and he rescued me?

“Guo… Guo’er…” I tried to call weakly, but my voice came out so soft and trembling even I was startled—why did it sound so… seductive?!

Guo’er’s fists clenched, veins bulging, his whole body radiating rage! And for some reason, I actually felt like I’d been caught in adultery!

Wait—wasn’t I the victim here?! …Right? (Guilty conscience)

“Lecher!” he roared, lunging at Luo Cheng!

“Hun Tian Pearl is in King Luo’s manor~” Luo Cheng whispered into my ear, then stepped back casually to fight Guo’er head-on!

The two clashed fiercely, from floor to table, from table to rooftop. I was dizzy watching!

As soon as they burst outside, I scrambled to throw on some clothes. Rushing out, I tripped over the unconscious Qingqing at the door—definitely Luo Cheng’s doing! Guo’er must have been distracted by one of his tricks too… Please, don’t let him get hurt by some underhanded move… I looked up worriedly at the rooftop.

The two were still fighting, evenly matched. Finally, Luo Cheng feinted and leapt back, laughing. “Truly a master~ I had fun tonight. Until we meet again!”

Guo’er wouldn’t let him leave, and leapt after him, but I quickly shouted: “Don’t chase him!”

There was no point. Luo Cheng was too strange, not an ordinary man. Since no real harm was done, there was no need to hunt him down…

Guo’er dropped lightly from the roof, glanced at me coldly, then went inside. He came back out with a cloak and wrapped me up firmly, saying in a low, resolute voice:

“Forgive me. I failed to protect you.”

“Uh? Why’s he apologizing?!”

“N-no, it’s fine… If Luo Cheng hadn’t barged in, I wouldn’t have gotten this information anyway.”

“…Damn it!” he cursed, slamming his fist into a stone pillar! His normally expressionless face was twisted with rage, so fierce it scared me. I didn’t know if his anger was at Luo Cheng, himself… or me… I glanced in terror at the deep dent his fist left in the pillar.

“It’s late. Rest now.” He had already revived Qingqing, and as he passed me, he said flatly: “I’ll be guarding outside.”

“Mm.”

I really wanted to tell him not to bother, to go rest too. But with his guilt weighing on him, he wouldn’t listen. Sigh… Let him be.

And so, my first night in King Luo’s manor ended in chaos, with Qingqing’s endless questioning still ringing in my ears…

So… did I just lose my first kiss? Should I mourn taking one more step from girlhood into womanhood… or be glad my first kiss was with such a skilled kisser?

Forget it. One should always look on the bright side… At least he was good-looking, right?