Chapter 054: Squad Leader Xu’s Provocation

Chapter 054: The Provocation of Monitor Xu

“Tao, we’re just going to let him go like that?”

The two men in black turned to watch Chu Fei walk between them, not daring to move against him. Then they looked at Fang Tao, who still leaned against the wall. The look in Chu Fei’s eyes just now had sent a chill of death through them.

“What else can we do?” Fang Tao replied with a bitter smile, straightening up as he cast a glance at Chu Fei’s departing figure. He knew even better than the others how close to death they’d just been—if Chu Fei had harbored murderous intent, the three of them would already be corpses by now.

“But what about the boss…” the man on the left hesitated, trailing off.

“To be honest, Chu Fei is terrifying. As long as the boss is still in his right mind, he’ll never come looking for trouble with him,” Fang Tao shook his head and walked away, though helplessness churned in his heart. Liu Ping was convinced Chu Fei had killed Liu Fengkai, and knowing Liu Ping, there was no way he’d simply let it go…

—

Just as Chu Fei was about to step into the stairwell, he suddenly stopped and pulled out his phone, momentarily stunned. A number he’d saved only a few days ago was flashing on the screen.

Xu Shiqi?

Puzzled, he answered with a cheerful tone, “Monitor Xu, calling me so late—what can I do for you?”

“What, I can’t call you if I have nothing to say?” came Xu Shiqi’s feigned complaint.

Chu Fei chuckled but said nothing.

“Hurry up and come over, I’m in trouble,” Xu Shiqi urged him.

“What kind of trouble?” Chu Fei was taken aback, a little confused.

“I’m at Fireworks Bar. It’s not far from where you live. Come quickly and save me, I’m being harassed by a few thugs.” Xu Shiqi continued to press him.

Before Chu Fei could ask more, the call ended.

What is Xu Shiqi up to? Why is she at Fireworks Bar?

Chu Fei actually knew the place—he’d been there before. It wasn’t far from Dust Bar.

Though it baffled him, he decided to go. Xu Shiqi, aside from Ximen Lu, was the only person who hadn’t looked down on him after learning how far he’d fallen. No matter the reason, Chu Fei couldn’t just ignore her…

—

Fireworks Bar.

Chu Fei wasn’t a regular, but he was familiar enough. This bar had a grittier, more down-to-earth vibe than Dust Bar. People from all walks of life could be found here.

As soon as he walked in, he spotted a woman in business attire sitting on a high stool with her back to the door. Even from behind, he recognized Xu Shiqi at first glance.

“Monitor Xu, didn’t you say someone was bothering you? Where are they?” Chu Fei approached with a teasing grin. There wasn’t a soul near Xu Shiqi—not even someone trying to strike up a conversation, let alone harass her.

“I drove them away myself.” Xu Shiqi’s face lit up when she saw Chu Fei.

“You chased them off?” Chu Fei was taken aback and instinctively looked her over. That alluring figure didn’t seem dangerous at all—the only thing lethal about her was her chest, which, well, might even outdo Ximen Lu’s in extravagance.

“You don’t believe me?” Xu Shiqi arched an eyebrow. “Want to try for yourself? I’m not the delicate little girl I used to be,” she said, giving Chu Fei a wink.

“You were never a delicate little girl before, either,” Chu Fei laughed, taking a seat beside her.

“Liar. I bet you really want to say I used to be a little tyrant in class, don’t you?” Xu Shiqi huffed playfully.

“Not at all,” Chu Fei denied.

“You’re no fun. A grown man who won’t admit what he thinks. Ximen Lu told me everything, you know,” Xu Shiqi eyed him mischievously.

Chu Fei broke out in a cold sweat. Women really couldn’t keep secrets, could they?

“Enough about that. Why did you call me here so late? Is something wrong?” Chu Fei returned to the point.

A hint of disappointment flickered across Xu Shiqi’s face. She had wanted to reminisce, but Chu Fei clearly didn’t want to revisit old memories. She forced a smile. “What, I can’t call you just to talk?” she said, letting out another little huff.

Chu Fei was exasperated. He noticed Xu Shiqi was starting to resemble that little firebrand Murong Wei—always huffing at the drop of a hat. What was with women these days?

He didn’t show it, though, and joked, “Of course that’s not what I meant. But if you need someone to talk to, maybe you should call your fiancé. I’m not sure I’m the right person.”

“Don’t mention him. Just hearing his name annoys me,” Xu Shiqi snapped, this time with real impatience.

“Oh? Did you two have a fight?” Chu Fei sensed something and asked half-jokingly.

“What do you mean, ‘we’? We’re not even married yet. Stop talking nonsense,” Xu Shiqi shook her head.

“Fine, I won’t say any more. Your turn,” Chu Fei smiled wryly. He could tell she was genuinely upset, likely about her fiancé. Though they were old classmates, they hadn’t seen each other in years and were more like semi-strangers now. He wouldn’t be tactless enough to pry into her private affairs.

“What’s wrong, are you angry?” When Chu Fei fell silent, Xu Shiqi seemed a little embarrassed.

“No, you just said you’re in a bad mood. If so, have a drink. As the saying goes, ‘A good drunk chases away a thousand woes.’ Tonight, drinks are on me—have as much as you like,” Chu Fei laughed heartily.

Xu Shiqi didn’t reply but gave him a strange, intense look.

“What is it?” Chu Fei asked, puzzled.

“Chu Fei, what’s your game? Are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?” Xu Shiqi stared at him intently.

Chu Fei broke into a cold sweat, managing a wry smile. “If you don’t trust me, I’ll leave right now—or take you home.”

“It’s not you I don’t trust, it’s myself,” Xu Shiqi’s words caught him off guard. “Did you know how much I liked you in high school? I’m afraid if I get drunk, I’ll lose control and just pounce on you. What do you think I should do?” she asked with a perfectly serious expression.

“You can’t be serious?” Chu Fei grimaced, not daring to joke further. Xu Shiqi’s words had genuinely startled him.

“I’m a ninth-dan in judo now, you know. You might not be my match anymore. If I decide to pounce, you won’t even have a chance to resist,” Xu Shiqi half-teased, half-threatened.

Chu Fei was at a loss. What kind of situation was this?

“You’re no fun at all. Look how scared you are.” Suddenly, Xu Shiqi burst out laughing and waved to a server nearby.

Clink, clink, clink…

Seeing the endless parade of drinks piling up on the bar, Chu Fei was dumbstruck. He’d seen some serious drinkers before, but never anyone with so little regard for their own life. There was a wild assortment—far more than anyone sane would order.

Was she trying to drink herself to death?

“Chu Fei, come on, let’s have one—to our reunion after so many years!” Xu Shiqi raised a glass of top-shelf XO, her manner bold and unrestrained.

—

A luxurious hotel suite.

Even after entering the room, Chu Fei was speechless. Xu Shiqi’s childishness was astonishing—fighting with her fiancé and then refusing to go home, instead checking into a hotel.

What else could you call it but childish?

“Get some rest. I’ll be going now.”

After escorting Xu Shiqi to her room, Chu Fei was eager to leave. It wasn’t just propriety that held him back—Xu Shiqi’s current state was simply too tempting. Especially when she’d just collapsed, weak and languid, into his arms in a posture so ambiguous that Chu Fei’s blood was boiling. He was afraid if he lingered, he wouldn’t be able to resist devouring Monitor Xu on the spot…

“You really want to just leave?” Xu Shiqi suddenly grabbed his arm.

“Huh?” Chu Fei turned to see her bright, slightly flushed face, at a loss.

Xu Shiqi realized her words sounded odd and forced a smile. “You brought me back; the least I can do is offer you a glass of water before you go.”

She wobbled off to pour him a drink.

“No need. You should rest.” Chu Fei quickly stopped her, feeling both frustrated and amused. More water? Was Xu Shiqi really this naïve, or just pretending?

Obediently, Xu Shiqi stopped, but her gaze on Chu Fei grew strange, almost vacant.

Just as Chu Fei was about to make his escape, Xu Shiqi suddenly blurted, “Chu Fei, are you really that dense? Can’t you see what I’m doing?”

“See what?” Chu Fei feigned confusion.

He was, in fact, playing dumb. Ever since her reckless drinking at the bar, he’d suspected her intentions—especially when her high-heeled foot kept “accidentally” brushing against his calf, again and again. He was certain of her purpose.

But he pretended not to understand.

It wasn’t that he’d suddenly become a saint, but that their old classmates’ relationship made things… complicated. As the saying goes: familiarity breeds hesitation.

That’s exactly how Chu Fei felt. If she’d been any other beauty at any other bar, he might have swept her off to a hotel without a second thought. But with Xu Shiqi? She was his high school classmate. If he lost control and things went too far, how would he deal with the consequences? Not to mention, her wedding was approaching. And if Ximen Lu found out, he’d have no way to explain himself.

“Chu Fei, you bastard, you just like bullying me!” Seeing that Chu Fei remained unmoved, Xu Shiqi seemed enraged. She suddenly stepped forward, grabbed his face, and pressed her red lips fiercely to his.

“Mmm—”

The softness of her kiss made Chu Fei’s heart tremble, but he quickly regained his senses. He held her by the head and pulled away slightly, frowning. “Xu Shiqi, calm down. Do you know what you’re doing?”

“Of course I do,” she glared at him. “You don’t even react when I throw myself at you! Fine, I’ll change tactics—I’m going to take you right here!”

With that, she leaned in again, bold and unyielding.

“This is unreal!” Chu Fei was honestly at a loss. Facing such an intoxicating assault from a stunning woman, any normal man would surrender.

Particularly when she said things like “take you”—that was a man’s role, wasn’t it? How was she going to do it?

“Xu Shiqi, you—Damn! Why did you bite me?” Chu Fei yelped as Xu Shiqi, truly angry, bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

Stepping back, Xu Shiqi glared at him. “Chu Fei, are you a man or not? If you’re not, walk out that door and I’ll never bother you again. Consider it as if we’d never met.” Her expression and tone were pure provocation.

“Damn it!” Looking at Xu Shiqi’s challenging, beautiful face, Chu Fei finally snapped. “Xu Shiqi, you asked for this. Don’t regret it!”

With that, he bent down, swept her into his arms, and carried her into the bedroom…

[The following is omitted—ten thousand words…]

[This is the revised (abridged) version of the chapter. For the unabridged, passionate scenes, join the VIP group. To join the basic group ‘Starwish Troop 20 [Caring Soldier King]’, add: 701623709, and message Xing’er!]

The first update of the day is finally delivered. I revised it twice but couldn’t get the right feeling—maybe it’s because I’ve been too lazy after drinking too much during the New Year, haha. Now, off to write the extras!