Chapter 21: Unexpected!

Hearing Duan Lingxiao's sigh, Xiao Mengxue was initially caught off guard. When her gaze met his, she froze for a moment, her cheeks instantly flushing crimson, even her earlobes turning bright red.

She looked at Duan Lingxiao's sharp, sword-like thick eyebrows, his eyes deep and piercing like an abyss, and his lips, neither too wide nor thin, curled into a faint mischievous smile—charming with a touch of gentle refinement. His tall, slender figure, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and straight, strong legs resembled a fierce eagle soaring high in the sky, exuding an aura that seemed to dominate the heavens and conquer the world.

Nestled in his embrace, she felt an overwhelming sense of security.

For some reason, Xiao Mengxue's face flushed anew.

“Lingxiao, you’re so handsome and capable. Murong Wanxue must have been blind to break ties with you!” she said indignantly, recalling the past.

Five years ago, Lingxiao had cared for that woman with utmost devotion, the very embodiment of an ideal man. Yet what did she do in return? She ended the relationship in the harshest way possible.

“Murong Wanxue…” Upon hearing the name, Duan Lingxiao's mind instantly flashed back to the night he was awarded a medal five years prior.

He had awakened in bed to see his disheveled mother-in-law, Jiang Wanrong, and felt the betrayal of Xiao Longhu's stabbing him in the back, after which he was detained by armed personnel.

In the detention room, he met Murong Wanxue.

He thought she would listen to his explanation, believe in his character.

But no.

The woman with whom he had sworn eternal promises leaned close and whispered words he would never forget.

“You’re just a soldier, your parents missing, ordinary background, alone. You can’t give me the glory I desire!”

“The man I want must stand at the pinnacle of Long Kingdom, not be a lowly border guard with no ambition!”

In her eyes, his sacrifice for the borderlands, his blood spilled for the country, his protection of the people—all were signs of a lack of ambition.

At that moment, Duan Lingxiao realized there was no need to say anything further.

To someone with such fundamentally opposite values, cold and selfish to the core, any words were futile.

Because some things require no proof; when you act, people will naturally believe and support you.

Snapping back from the memory, Duan Lingxiao’s lips curled into a cold smile.

The tragedy of five years ago would never repeat.

No longer would he tolerate the Murong family—or even the entire world—standing against him. He would rise above it all, breaking every obstacle with his fists.

Whoever dares stand before him is the enemy and must prepare to become a ghost beneath his blows.

“Lingxiao, are you okay? I shouldn’t have said those things. Sorry for reminding you of unhappy memories,” Xiao Mengxue said quickly, noticing the flicker of emotion on his face.

“I’m fine, just recalling the past,” Duan Lingxiao replied with a casual smile, gently tapping Xiao Mengxue’s nose.

“Come on, let me take you out for a feast. It’s been a while since we enjoyed the delicacies of Jiangnan City. I wonder if that Hunan restaurant we used to dine at is still open?”

“Let’s go check it out!” he said, holding her hand as they took a taxi to the southern district, arriving at a three-story building.

“Hunan Flavor! Still here, just as I thought. Come on!”

The spicy, flavorful Hunan cuisine perfectly suited Duan Lingxiao’s taste.

He and Xiao Longhu used to bring Xiao Mengxue here often to feast.

“Hello, welcome! Table for two?” a waiter greeted warmly, eyes lingering appreciatively on the handsome couple—truly a perfect match.

“Yes, do you have a window seat?” Duan Lingxiao asked.

“We do. Right this way.”

They followed the waiter to a table by the window with a lovely view.

Duan Lingxiao quickly ordered several signature dishes along with some hidden gems from the Hunan Flavor menu.

“Lingxiao still remembers my favorite, spicy fried chicken!” Xiao Mengxue beamed with delight.

The restaurant was bustling, but the dishes arrived swiftly, freshly prepared, not pre-made.

Soon, the dishes were served, and they began eating with rice in hand.

“The taste is just as before!” Duan Lingxiao smiled, savoring the flavors.

“Yes, I haven’t been this happy eating in a long time!” Xiao Mengxue’s eyes curved like crescent moons as she smiled.

“From now on, I’ll accompany you for every meal,” he said, recalling the image of Xiao Mengxue chained to a stake by the Lu family, his heart aching as he placed a piece of spicy chicken into her bowl.

“No matter what I eat, as long as I’m with you, I’m happy! Even if it’s just plain grains and vegetables, I’d still enjoy it!” she said, savoring the spicy chicken.

Having not eaten something this spicy in a while, sweat beaded on her brow, and she stuck out her little tongue, panting adorably.

“I’d never let you eat plain food every day!” Duan Lingxiao chuckled.

They ate joyfully, chatting merrily until full. Since Duan Lingxiao’s WeChat and bank cards weren't registered under his real name, Xiao Mengxue took the initiative to scan and pay.

As they were about to leave, suddenly, footsteps echoed down the stairs from the third floor—a figure appeared.

She approached their table with an air of superiority.

The woman was in her thirties, wearing a JK school uniform with one side of her chest exposed, her ample cleavage boldly displayed.

Below, she wore black lace beneath a tight pencil skirt, and red high heels clicked against the floor.

Her lips, painted a fiery red, exhaled a plume of smoke from a thin cigarette.

She seemed slightly intoxicated, her gaze glazed as she looked at...

Duan Lingxiao.

“Got business?” he asked, not wanting his first dinner out after prison with Xiao Mengxue to be ruined by nonsense.

“Not bad, young man!” the woman said admiringly, her eyes sliding over Duan Lingxiao’s toned physique with a greedy hunger.

His muscular build was impressive, making her desire him sharply.

Then her gaze shifted to the stunned Xiao Mengxue beside him.

“Judging by your poise and outfit, you must be a highborn lady. This young man is your kept man, right? How much do you pay him monthly? I’ll offer ten times that to have him for myself!” she declared arrogantly.

She had been with countless men, but someone as coldly handsome as Duan Lingxiao was rare, and she was eager to have him in her bed.

From their clothes, she noticed Xiao Mengxue’s designer attire was expensive, while Duan Lingxiao’s was simple.

If they were lovers, such disparity wouldn’t exist.

Plus, Xiao Mengxue was even paying for the meal.

By her experience, Duan Lingxiao was a genuine kept man.

Naturally, she was determined to win him over tonight for a passionate night together.

Hearing this, Xiao Mengxue was dumbfounded.

Duan Lingxiao’s expression stiffened.

He thought she was causing trouble or something else.

He never could have imagined this woman actually wanted to keep him!

“What, you think the money’s not enough? Fine, here’s a flat rate—500,000. You give him to me, and if you want, we can exchange contacts, and tomorrow I’ll bring some male athletes for you to have fun with. How’s that?” the woman said with a slight frown as they remained silent.

Xiao Mengxue couldn’t help but laugh, surprised by such a ridiculous turn of events.

“What are you laughing at? We all play with men; none of us are nobler than the others!” the woman frowned, then looked at Duan Lingxiao. “Handsome, if you want to come with me, my harbor will welcome your mighty ship tonight. The waves in my harbor are wild!” she said seductively.

Her tone was provocatively exaggerated, almost over the top.

Even Duan Lingxiao was taken aback.

Not even a top hostess with ten years’ experience would be this flamboyant.

Frowning, Duan Lingxiao pulled Xiao Mengxue to her feet.

“Sorry, please move aside,” he said, feeling exasperated. He hadn’t expected to encounter a wealthy woman who played with men at dinner.

“Why, are you refusing me? Or is the money too little? Thirty thousand a month? Fifty thousand? No? How about a hundred thousand? One hundred fifty thousand? I’ll pay you the highest market price!” the woman blocked his path, voice cold.

“Kid, know your place. That offer should satisfy you,” she added.

“Get lost!” Duan Lingxiao’s brows furrowed, impatient.

But the woman was relentless, even attempting to make a move.

He dodged, intending to push her away and leave.

At that moment, a sharply dressed young man in Armani suit and a Longines watch, hands in his pockets, frowned deeply as he hurried down from the third floor.

“Zhao Mengru, you’re a disgrace to the family—dragging men here?” he scolded sharply.