Chapter24

I sneak out of the room looking around with my drowsy eyes which didn't have enough sleep. It's been only a few a hours that we all came back to rest after writing in the library. Turning around I take another look at Feng Lei to check on him again as it's been only a few hours that we even returned and he is already is deep slumber. Hugging the wooden basin in which the towel and dress is placed in I stroll out cautiously to the bath place, making my way to the last one which is in corner I look around peeping over the side curtain making sure no one is there, confirming that I'm alone I undress myself removing each layer of the material one by one, the sound of water drops landing on the cemented floor echoes in the empty place when I pull the filled basin to a side. Lighting up the candle I place it closer to the wall a little farther from my bath area preventing the water splashing over it, to get some light as the moonlight cannot make it's way to the corner, taking a deep breath in I pour the water over my shoulders my skin reacting like a drought land which had no rain for a long period of time due to the sweat and tiredness of today. I sit there my body moving but my mind is working onto something else. My mind is caught up by the letter which I received from Doctor Zonghua indicating that he is fine and came back to consciousness a couple of days ago. He told something which he missed to talk about on the day we met and it's about the butcher who works at the end of the second street market. Wales found out that he acts to be poor and weak seeking help from the people who are travelling in the forest. Doctor ZongHua told he saw him stopping the guards, holding his head which was bleeding and his dresses were torn like he was beaten up. I suspect that he stopped the cart and guards purposely from moving and then the enemies can take that as an advantage to attack out of nowhere, there is no doubt in that. Everything seemed to be planned which means the person behind all these knew that father was going to stop the smugglers because usually only the migrants travel in the forest path. I'm pretty sure that the smugglers didn't intend to do any of these as they were caught by other state for doing illegal business. I run my hands through my wet hair frustratingly taking a deep breath in I insert my head into the water, closing my eyes I hold my breath in. The scene of my five year old self and father playing in the snow flashes in my mind, I squeeze my eyes shut, gripping the surface of the basin tighter when WanKe appears in front my eyes, I pull back immediately staring at the water which is flowing creating small waves due to the sudden release of pressure, my eyes are fixed to the unclear reflection of my myself where the droplets of water from my hair and eyelashes are dropping into it. Folding my arms I rest my elbows on the surface of the bucket and bury my face inside my palms. I slide my palms down slowly from my eyes to the chin, getting the butcher to open the mouth will give me some pieces of information as for JiangYi I better stay away from him for a while because I could tell that my upper image is glued into his mind from the portrait which is painted, the details are so accurate. My mind comes to reality when my inner being alerts me of some sound, standing up swiftly I grab the towel which is hung on the pole of the curtain, wiping my body in a second I tie it around my waist and begin to cover my breasts, my actions pause when I hear the footsteps. My heart beat rises when the sound of the owl echoes in the dark place making the environment creepy. Am I not the ghost which others were talking about. I thought it's me but seems like it's a... it's a ghost itself. My inner voice drives me crazy creating different scenarios. Slowly I keep a step forward making no noise of my presence I move behind the curtain raising my hands up I grip the hook of the curtain sliding slowly to the right spreading the whole material so that the side is completely covered. Clutching the edge of the curtain I peep out to see the dark entrance of the bath place where the moonlight is shining upon the floor, the sound of the cool breeze and the swaying of trees and leaves captures the surrounding where I could hear my own sound of breathing. The moonlight which is passing through the entrance blocks when a dark figure covers it. Being uncertain about my inner being saying that no one is around I step back, turning around I lean forward taking the candle holder I hop forward behind the curtain making sure to cover my body as I'm still undressed where only my lower part is covered and my breasted wrapped around with the lengthy vertical material. Raising the candle holder high forward I furrow my eyebrows staring at the empty way deeply examining every corners, my heart beat rises when I feel someone's presence the feeling of someone around you when you are alone and especially in the dark. My inner being laughs at my own thoughts of ghosts. Letting out a sigh of relief I spin around grabbing my dress, unfolding the dress I turn around my vocal code expands. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh," I scream aloud forgetting where I am my eyes falls out of it's sockets in astonishment and I stop when my throat goes dry as my feet gets rooted to the ground. I try to speak but I couldn't my body freezes when I realise what is happening right now, it's something which should not be happen in my whole life. "You......," My voice comes out as a mere whisper my mentality alerting my appearance, moving eyes from him I look down at myself, my heart beat racing and I have no idea of what I'm feeling now whether it's fear, nervousness or embarrassment. A loud shriek leaves my lips when I felt the stinging pain on my upper arm, I look up when my back hits the wall he moves his face closer to mine our face just an inch away. "Your life is screwed if you're caught," his voice comes out dangerously low his eyes digging my grave. I gulp down the saliva my eyes fixed to his dangerous ones, my body couldn't react or move as it stopped functioning as my mind has gone blank and all I could hear is my pumping heart beat and his raging breath. I can trust him on that he would keep it a secret according to the amount of knowledge I know about him but yet I feel like I'm drowning. "Why?How?...." he grunts under his breath biting his lower lip "You should leave," he orders sternly bringing myself alive. Pushing his hand away from my arm in a flash I push him against the wall and cage him with in my arms making sure that a distance is maintained between us. "Let me explain," I adjure my eyes pleading him to listen. "What if it was someone else and not me," he questions his voice maintaining the low volume. "Then...I would...,"I look around except him and my eyes fall on him again "This should not be happening in the first place, Why are you even out at this ti.."I stop, dropping the 'me' of time , pressing my lips against each other my eyeballs roll around when I hear someone call out. "It's HenYu," he blurts out like almost telling it to himself. HenYu?...What is he doing around here at this time... Today is the worst day in my life... I'm screwed He brushes pass me in a blink of an eye and blows out the candle fire while I stare at an empty space, I come back to reality when hear him call out which makes me to look at him. He throws my dress to me immediately and I catch it automatically my eyes still trying register his quick moves, he jumps forward and holds me behind him. "Feng Lei?," HenYu says questionably in a look of what-are-you-doing? "Is that KeKe?," He steps forward making Feng Lei to stretch his arms slightly keeping a small step to his left. "He is changing," Feng Lei answers dryly and I make my movements quick to dress up hiding myself behind him and my presence is not clearly visible due to the darkness. "Ohh,he doesn't like to be with others when changing," HenYu reminds himself of what I've told him earlier, he scratches the back of his neck smiling crookedly. "What are doing at this hour?," "I've been out doing the bet and then I heard someone scream, so I came to check out," he explains. "What are you both doing anyway?," He asks making us speechless for the answer. 25 Placing my chin on the table I fix my eyes to the front my half opened eyes staring at an empty space. I'm the only one who is present in the class as I'm early and others are still freshening up after waking up. My lips forms to a pout when I think about what happened early in the morning, one way I think about the fact that Feng Lei found out my identity on the other hand I'm disturbed in the thought of how he saw me, I was almost naked. Letting out a loud sigh I close my eyes beginning to take a small nap. ~Few hours ago~ Fiddling my fingers I look up to my right passing him a glance who is glaring at me. My eyes expands when I see him still watching which makes me to lower my gaze again. "What are you doing here?," he questions dryly and try my best not to be curious of his express as I dare not see him. "I...," "I just don't understand," he turns facing in my direction " How can your father send you here knowing the consequences," he says in a low weary voice. "I was the one who agreed to it," I answer in a low voice my eyes still glued to my fingers. "You shouldn't have," turning to my left I look at him his eyebrows drowned and his eyes showing concern which makes me feel a sense of joy, maybe because no one has seen me with those eyes caring for me except for Wales and mom. He leans a little closer "I don't think even your brother would appreciate what you have done." "I know it, but I'm doing this to make his wish come true as he always wanted to bring power to the kingdom by his deeds," I look into his eyes " And I could avenge only by living as a male," "It's hard on you," he states softly "I'm used to being like this," plastering a smile on my place I get up from the edge of the bed "You better keep your promise," I leave the room immediately as the situation is getting awkward and I don't know how react to his empathy. ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ "Hey," my eyes shoot open sitting up straight I look up to see ChengLi "What's in you mind?," he sits opposite to me on Henyu's seat. "Nothing," I scowl stretching my arms I lean forward "Let me ask you something." "Yes, whatever," rolling his sleeves up he moves forward in interest. "Are you into Ah Xiang?," I ask my lips spreading to a thin smile. "Yes, I've been having feelings for a long time," he answers immediately without hesitation "But I would respect her choice." "Whoa," leaning back I look at him smiling radiantly "You are really great," I show him a thumbs up his lips twitching up to a winsome smile " I never thought you are someone with a sweet heart," "What do you mean?," "I thought you're someone who is hard to mingle with," "I am," he stares at me while I look at him dumbfounded with an expression of You-are-kidding-right. "Anyway," I shove off and lean forward again "Why don't you convince her," "Seems like," moving his gaze up he rubs his chin and looks back at me "You are not interested in her," he stares at me moving his vision starting from my head and it goes down, leaning forward "Do you like someone else?" He whispers. "Move," comes the dry voice which belongs to none other than Feng Lei, we turn to our right to see him standing beside the table. "You can go from the other side," I turn back to continue our conversation but before I could speak a word he interrupts again. "I prefer this way," he blurts looking down at me. "Okay....," Getting up from my seat I stand up beside him showing him the way with my hand, I sit down when he takes seat. Removing my eyes from him I look at ChengLi who moves forward making me to lean forward our face gapped in a little distance "You....," "Hush, noisy," Feng Lei grunts low opening the wooden scroll. "Let's talk about it later," I sit back sighing dramatically. The environment goes silent where the sound of the wooden scroll rolling and clasping is the only noise taking place in here. Stretching my hands forward I yawn aloud making him to face me giving me a glare, covering my mouth I look away faking a cough. The eyelids of my eyes which are eagerly waiting to slide down makes it's way slowly but it opens up when I feel the budge on my shoulder. "Master Huang asked for you all," he sits beside me his arm over my shoulders "We can regain the points," he giggles. "Really, How?," I would do anything to regain the points because for the amount of points reduced will surely not help me in the examination as I'm weak in running at the military training. "Hey," I hit on ChengLi's shoulder and tap on Feng Lei's table to let him know about it "We can regain our fifty points," I announce in joy. "Is it?," I stare at Feng Lei when he places his palm over my left shoulder and slowly removes Henyu's hand away from my shoulder. "What are you doing?," I whisper yell at him my eyes throwing daggers at him. Is he out of his mind, why is he being strange all of a sudden "Master is coming," HenYu pulls ChengLi up and takes his seat in front of me. Greeting Master Huang we take our seats watching him begin the lesson. Placing my elbows on the table I rest my chin over my palm cupping my face, my lazy eyes darkening the vision slowly. Applying the red lip tint I turn around to see Feng Lei standing in front of me, leaning forward he takes my hand into his caressing my cheek with his thumb he pushes the long strand of my hair to the back of my ear, those two eyes never leaving mine. His lips twitches up to a charming smile making me bite my lower lip as I feel the butterflies flutter in my stomach. "You look beautiful," he whispers moving closer our face just an inch away from touching, lifting my chin he gets even closer bringing his lips near to mine. Oh..no..no What am I dreaming about? It's so weird.... My face falls low making me to open my eyes swiftly, sitting up straight I turn to my left glaring at Feng Lei who pushed my hands away waking me up from my sleep. "Seems like you are having a bad dream," he scoffs in a low voice. A bad dream, my inner self laughs at the thought of him saying it's a bad dream in which he is present. Is it so easy to read my expression? Anyway, I should be a little thankful to him as he brought me out of the taunting bizarre dream. "The responsibilities to arrest the robbers are given to us," I look at master who is getting up from his seat, walking forward he strolls between the arranged tables looking each one of us. "The person who completes the mission will be awarded with sixty points," he claps his hands taking our attention "Who is going to take over this?," he grins. Many missions were given as writing the list of names who are bribing, cleaning the environment and I have no idea about the remaining as my sense were workings only at the beginning and later I dozed off. But the last responsibility is the only one which helps me to gain more points as I've already lost fifty points from two hundred and another thirty due to the race. I raise my hand up before master speaks , HenYu raises after me and ChengLi follows. I turn to my left a slight smile making It's way on my face watching Feng Lei raised his hand too. "Good," Master claps his hands again and continues "You all have two weeks time and the last group's task is quite difficult but I hope that you all won't let the academy down," he smiles and walks towards our table "Remember no violence just hold them captive till they are arrested, don't get injured," he sates passing a glance for each one of us. 26 Feng Lei's P.O.V Crossing my hands over my chest I lean behind watching the two of them argue. The dead line is around the corner and still we have not found out anything, the only information which we know is the place where the stolen things are hidden but the key is always around the neck of Gu Weiting who is the leader of the robber gang, many people has no idea it's him who is robbing continuously as he has a high image in the society. The only way to prove it's him is by getting the key of his house. I clear my throat waiting for them to stop their conversation as expected they stop nagging and turn towards me. Gu Weiting always visits the house of zexun every evening and stays overnight there enjoying with the maids. Our plan is to let one of us disguise as a woman and distract him in the room to get his key but this discussion is taking more than an hour. The votes were put to decide who is going to disguise, I got one vote from Wanke, HenYu got two votes from ChengLi and Wanke on the other hand ChengLi got three votes and Wanke got three votes which is being the only problem now. To be honest seeing others dressing as a girl has nothing special in it the only one I have to see is WanKe being girl, I eagerly waited till it was her turn and raised my hand immediately but for ChengLi I was forced to raise my hand because she was pinching my foot with her toe. "Let's decide over a challenge," she leans forward staring at ChengLi who nods in response "A challenge over liquor," she smiles. "No!," My voice comes out loud and stern moving forward I pass her a glare which makes her to look at me curiously with her eyebrows knitted. How can liquor is the first one which comes up in her mind. It's really hard to believe that he is a she even after having my eyes as a witness. "I don't agree too," ChengLi suggests sounding unconfident. "Why not?," she sits back crossing her arms over her chest the side of her right lip twitching up to a grin. "Because we should head back to the academy and I know that you have good alcohol tolerance as you are famous in the house of Jin," he states his second statement in a low voice. "Let's do this," the person who has been silent all this while finally speaks "I'll number you both with one and two," he claps his hands enthusiastically "and then choose a number, the one with that number should admit defeat," he smiles being proud of his own dumb idea but it's better than what Wanke suggested. "Okay, Let's do it," Henyu and she leans towards their right taking a closer look of HenYu while he sets the tag in his mind. I cannot resist the fact that my eyes are not leaving Wanke right now, the point that I found her interesting is getting even more attentive after knowing her identity. Every moment when she got close to me I feel my heart beat rise but I try ignore all those, I know it's not right but the picture of our lips crashing flashes in my vision since that day. I know it was accidentally and it didn't seem to be a big deal but now I cannot help myself from my wild thoughts. I did not know how to face or react when I saw her in the bath place, I was just afraid and angry on the fact that he is a girl because it's considered as a crime for what she has done and doing. I've doubted earlier that something was fishy about him but after observing him I was pretty sure that he is a man as for her behaviour, strength and character but now I'm just clueless knowing that she is a woman, it must have been very hard on her for living as this. All her manly behaviour appears to be womanly of a sudden. "Alright,tell the number one or two," Pushing back my thoughts I look at HenYu who is passing a glance at each one of us. "I don't trust you," ChengLi sneers turning around he faces me "Let Feng Lei think," "Feng Lei," turning around she gets close to me staring into my eyes like searching for something on my face "Are you trustworthy?," she asks in a low dry tone sounding like a person who lost their soul. "Choose a number," clearing my throat I look away when she leans forward her eyes glued on me. "Two," HenYu answers removing my gaze from him I look back at Wanke who is still examining me. "Okay, Number two," she sits back waiting eagerly for the answer making me to sigh mentally. "It's WanKe," I announce dryly my inner voice dancing with excitement. Speaking lies is not in my life script but now it appeared out of no where, yet it cannot be told that I lied as the number one was WanKe and number two was WanKe as well. Looking forward to see Xing Xing. We wait inside the store and WanKe is dressing up behind the folding screen, my patience is running out in the thought of seeing her and there she walks out making my eyes go wide and jaw drop to the ground. As I Always told the word pretty goes well on her. Brushing her fake long hair behind her shoulder she walks towards us, the beating of my heart rises when I couldn't take my eyes off her and my body temperature increases all of a sudden, pulling my collar with my index finger I let some air to cool my neck. "You look beautiful," ChengLi comments his eyes looking at her in awe, walking towards him she puts her arm over his shoulders. "Do I?," She chuckles biting her lower lip and only I can understand what's going on right now. Every woman like to be complimented on their appearance. "Yes you do," HenYu walks forward folding her shoulder pleats neatly "If you are a woman I would really go out with you," he gives her the hand fan in way of proposing his lips forming to a charming smile. "Feng Lei," she calls out bringing me to reality, I stare at her when she walks towards me. Placing her right foot on the small table in front of me she leans forward "How do I look?," she asks softly her voice sounding like a young girl in my ears, I look into her eyes gulping down my skin heating up. 27 WanKe's P.O.V Brushing the strands of hair falling over my face I take a closer look at me in the mirror, my heart fluttering looking at my own reflection a wide smile making it's way on my lips. It's been ages seeing me dressed up as a girl and I've never seen myself like this. The feeling of disappointment gets into me when I try to figure out how I would have looked when I was in my teens and before. Taking another look of myself I hide the item which they gave me to use as breasts, folding the wooden screen I step out my lips twitching up slightly to a weak smile when I notice the three pair of eyes on me which is making me nervous, as I always tell being the centre of attention drives me nuts. "Your figure looks," ChengLi keeps a step forward moving his gaze from top to bottom "Perfect, You look exactly like a woman," he blurts his eyes scrolling up and down making my mentality mock at their reaction of being clueless of who I am exactly. "You look beautiful," he continues when I walk towards him, standing beside him I place my arm over his shoulders watching his side features where his eyes go wide acting like his crush touched him. "Do I?," I ask acting curious my heart enjoying the comments, I've always been complimented as handsome and I liked it but this is something different, the only person who told that I look pretty is Brother Lei. "Yes you do," HenYu keeps a step forward closer to me folding my shoulder pleats neatly "If you are a woman I would really go out with you," bending a little low he looks up at me and brings the hand fan forward gesturing me to take it. Taking the fan I pass him a weak smile my muscles not willing to move up. I look away my eyes landing on Feng Lei who seems to be absent minded "Feng Lei," I call out removing my hands from HenYu I walk towards him, his eyes staring at me. Throwing the hand fan on the cane chair I place my right foot on the small table in front of him leaning forward "How do I look?," I ask softly following the movement of his orbs. He stares at me with his lips parted with an unreadable expression playing on his face, I bend even closer when he begins to speak expecting his answer "Not bad," he blurts out dryly looking away he stands up which makes me to move back instantly, rubbing his palms over his thigh he passes a glance at HenYu and ChengLi "It's time to leave," he informs and walks away. Standing straight I take the fan from the chair "What's got into him?," Grunting under my breath I follow behind the others. "The sun is about to set," Feng Lei stops in his tracks at the entrance at house of zexun and we stop behind him. "HenYu and ChengLi distract the maid who escorts the private room," he orders. "And then Wanke," "Yes," I reply huskily when he faces me, fiddling with the long piece of material around my waist I lower my head looking up at him I flutter my eyes with a mischievous smile, he stares at me questionably gulping down his saliva making it obvious as his Adams apple moves up and down and then he looks away in a flash. "What happened to you?," HenYu asks wrinkling his forehead watching me curiously. "Getting into my role," I smile covering my mouth with four fingers. "It's scary," he utters placing his arm over my shoulders, pushing his arm away I slap at the back of his neck. Sighing internally I pay attention to Feng Lei who watches around except me. "WanKe better be careful when getting in the room, no one should find out that you are not a worker there," "Sure," I show him a thumbs up and bring my hand forward in the air with my palm turned around "We will get extra points," I shout out making ChengLi and HenYu place their palms over mine by stepping aside forming a circle, turning to my right I pass a glance at Feng Lei which makes him to place his palm over too. "We got this," We cheer aloud and head into the shop. Feng Lei and I stroll upstairs as the private rooms are on the second floor and the eating place is on the first floor. ChengLi and HenYu checks around downstairs and joins us as no one is to be found there. We walk together to the room where four men are standing outside who are the members of the gang. HenYu steps back and hides behind when we are three rooms away from the main room, ChengLi hides after and then Feng Lei hides when I'm a few steps away from the room. Lowering my gaze I keep slow steps fiddling with my fingers, my eyes fixed to the polished wooden floor. Looking to my right slowly with my head lowered I walk pass the men each of them staring deep at me, ignoring their stares I continue my work. I stand in front of the door till they push open the huge doors for me, bending a little low I utter a thank you softly, soon after I step in the behind me closes leaving me and him alone, there sits Gu Weiting on the comfortable cushion placed around the chabudai table, holding the pot of liquor he pours it into the small ceramic cup, stopping his actions he looks up when the creaking of the closed door gets into his ears. He smiles furtively gazing at me up and down removing my clothes with his eyes which is making my blood boil, I try to calm myself down as I cannot control the feeling to jump over the table and punch right on his mouth so that he cannot speak. "Come here, come here," he holds the cup with liquor high in my view while I walk towards him, gulping down the liquor he slams the cup on the table when I sit down beside him, taking the pot I fill the cup again. He turns the other cup and places it beside the one which I filled telling me to fill that as well. "Cheers," he laughs aloud dryly. Covering my mouth with my long sleeve I drink the liquor, I notice his eyes glued on me when I place the cup on the table my eyeballs moving up to watch him, leaning forward he caresses on my cheek and moves down making me flinch in disgust. 28 Holding my breath I pull up his neck which is hung low, grunting low I stand straight rolling up my long sleeves, sighing wearily I try again to lift up his head. Gu Weiting is drunk as we had six pots of liquor which are too good and expensive, every time he moved forward with other intention I distracted him to drink and finally he is knocked down, taking his state as an advantage I began to look for the key but it's too difficult to find where it is due the thick layer of clothes he is wearing and I cannot find the hook of the chain. Kneeling down behind him I lift his neck, his head keeps on moving a little higher and it falls low again as a stubborn brat. Cursing and grumbling in my mind I try to lift up and finally I hold his head my palm searching for the key everywhere. Furrowing my eyebrows I pay attention to the noise which can be heard from outside, the sound of things breaking and people shouting seems like it's a fight, my eyes widens in horror when Gu Weiting sits straight abruptly making my eyes go wide, his sarcastic chuckle filling the room, before I could react a shriek leaves my lips when he holds my arm and gets up turning around swiftly, I try to grasp his arm when I see him popping up a knife but he holds me in front of him twisting my left arm behind my back and my right palm buried into his holding the knife close to my neck capturing me in his hold, the sharp silver edge placed a few inches away from my throat , I gulp down when the doors slam open welcoming ChengLi,HenYu and Feng Lei. "What are you all doing?," My question comes out as soon as they enter the room. Why are they in here when I gave no signal that I got the key? Keeping a step forward I gasp when the coldness of the metal touches my skin the knife kept in a slanted position which makes me to bring my foot back to place standing straight as he tightens the grip on my arm digging his nails into my flesh. "The key is not with him," HenYu answers taking a step forward in a hurry. "Step back," Gu Weiting growls aloud making me flinch as the noise just rang close to my eardrums like the bell being dinged close to the ear. Feng Lei spreads his right arm gesturing HenYu to step back all three of them watching at us fearfully, their eyes filled with concern. "Who are they?," He yells wriggling me in his tight grip the point of the knife lands right above my flesh which will get in at any little movement. "My classmates, they study with me and they will be very worried if something happens, I'm sure that they will taunt you at night if I fall dead now," I answer crying aloud waiting till he loosens his grip a little so that I can make a move. Moving his gaze from me he looks straight watching the three of them staring at me in horror with wide eyes. I have no idea why but my eyes always first lands on Feng Lei. "How can you even joke at this time," Feng Lei asks startled by my behaviour "Tell him not to take a step," Gu Weiting brings his face on my shoulder the smell of alcohol hitting my nostrils "Tell," he twists my arm forcefully which makes me bite my lower lip when he pushes the edge of the knife into my flesh letting the spot bleed a little as I remained silent. "Don't move, don't move," I scream my eyeballs settling on the left edge of my eyes watching Gu Weiting, a sadistic smile playing on his lips. "Uffff," comes the loud dramatic weary sigh, all our eyes focusing to the centre looking at ChengLi who grabs the table which is laying on it's flat surface, placing it correctly he takes his seat on it. "What are you doing?," HenYu yells making ChengLi laugh staring straight at Gu Weiting. "Don't you think that she has something on her sleeve," he utters passing me a glance his eyes trying to convey some message but I don't get it at all. It's over, I have no idea what's he up to and I'm sure that my skin is going to be sliced today and my funeral will be held tomorrow. I don't want to die before knowing who killed my loved ones... Wait, my identity will be exposed if I die here...I still have to taste many delicious foods...No way I come out of my thoughts when I hear Gu Weiting his dry cold voice hitting right on my eardrums which would burst at any moment as he is screaming. "What do you mean?," He shouts his tone showing that he puzzled for sure but to be honest I have nothing on my sleeve, I'm just waiting till he removes that knife from my neck so that I can get rid of his hold, a hidden smile makes it's way in my mind when I feel his grip loosen the point of the knife untouching my skin. "Do you think that this woman is afraid of your threats," he points at me raising his brows at me proudly when he finds out that I understood what he means but the two men who are standing beside him are clueless exchanging glance at me and him. "Make sure she is a woman first," crossing his arms over his chest he moves forward from his seat ,the side of his lips twitching up when Gu Weiting's hold loosens. My eyes lightens in joy when I see him move away the knife but it darkens the very next second when he brings his face closer to my neck my eyes falls off it's sockets in astonishment. I wriggle in his grip when he inhales on my skin "You smell good," he whispers pushing his lips hard on my skin kissing on my neck, I curl up my toes and form my palms to a ball closing it tight biting my lower lip not liking this situation at all, his touch disgusts me. "Let her go," Feng Lei shouts angrily making his way towards us but stops in his tracks when he brings up the knife again. I look up closing my eyes ashamed on the fact that I cannot help myself every single touch of his making my blood boil, my eyelids shoot open when he leaves my arm behind and runs his hand around my waist, understanding his actions in a millisecond I push his hands away with my which he freed just now. He keeps a step forward to attack, taking a step back I punch right on his nose making him to bring up his palm to hold his nose shouting and cursing as it bleeds terribly, before he could do something Feng Lei kicks on his stomach making him fall on his knees. Turning to my right I see him glaring at him in anger and then moves his gaze to me "You alright," he asks softly when I stare at his side features a spontaneous smile making it's way on my lips without my realisation when I nod a yes. "Get them," Gu Weiting's voice echoes in the damaged room making us to move our gaze from each other to the door where five men walks in out of nowhere. Where have they been all this while? Feng Lei jumps forward to help ChengLi and HenYu who are fighting them, taking my hand fan from the floor I throw it to one of their head to grab their attention and as expected he walks towards me furiously, walking ahead I move my leg up kicking right on the side of his neck making contact on the back as well which makes him to fall on the opposite direction. "The officers are here," HenYu announces when they come rushing in dragging the men laying on the floor with them. Rubbing my left arm I look straight to find out that Feng Lei's eyes are on me, his lips forms to a smile when I smile. He looks too good when he smiles. "Watch out HenYu," HenYu shouts making me cautious, turning around immediately I kick him on his knee which makes him to lose control over his limbs, he begins to fall down, a gasp leaves my lips when he pushes me making me to step back on my dress. I shut my eyes tight waiting till my body hits on the floor but it doesn't, opening my left eye slightly to see my saviour my lips parts, those two orbs looking deep down at me. It's Feng Lei 29 I gape at him studying his features his eyes moving from my head and goes downwards making me to gulp down my saliva, I bite my inner cheek when I feel my cheeks heat up a weird feeling erupting in my stomach. Is that butterflies fluttering? I have never felt this before but his intense gaze makes me feel weak. I have no idea of why I feel all these right now? Coming out of my thoughts I remove my arms from his neck which I held to keep balance from falling, my movement brings him back to reality, it shows clearly that he was taken off as he blinks and speaks out a 'huh' like a person who forgot what happened few moments ago. Removing my gaze from his eyes I look down my eyes widens in horror when I see the neck of my dress torn apart exposing my inner wear. Getting on my feet in a flash I clutch the material stepping away my eyes glued to the ground in embarrassment. "Wow, a scene of a prince saving a princess," HenYu jokes laughing at his own comment with ChengLi walking towards us. "Why do you two seem suspicious all of a sudden," ChengLi sneers curling up his eyebrows watching us with the eyes like something-is-going-on-here. "Clean your brain," picking up the cushion which is on the floor I throw it on him making it to knock on his face and land on his hands which he spread to catch it. "It's kind of weird," he looks straight at holding the cushion high. "What is weird?," I snap getting ready to catch the cushion which he would throw at any time. "The behaviour of Feng Lei," he throws the cushion at me chuckling. Holding the cushion with one hand as I clutch the material tighter my gaze moving from ChengLi to Feng Lei who is staring at me, dropping the cushion down I step to my right closer to him, placing my arm over his shoulder I pull him closer " What's weird?," I question holding him forcefully. ChengLi peers at Feng Lei rubbing his neck he moves his head a little forward in way to get a clear pictures of his expression. The surrounding captures silence all of a sudden while HenYu and I pass glances at each other curiosity written all over our face trying to find out the chain between their exchange of stares. "You.....," "Let's have a meal," Feng Lei blurts holding my hand he drags me out with him. Picking the sweet and sour rib I put the whole slice into my mouth mourning when the juicy meat gets bitten the flavours making my taste buds jump, the food in house of Jin is always the best. Placing the chopsticks on my bowl I clap my hands making the three pair of orbs move to my direction. "Come on, let's toast for our success of points," pouring the liquor into my cup I raise it up HenYu and ChengLi does the same thing. "One cup won't make anyone of us drunk," I scoff taking a look a Feng Lei who sighs and lifts up the cup. "Cheers," we say in unison and gulp down the liquor. "My idol was amazing as always," HenYu smiles flatly taking the drumstick from the tray he places it on my bowl. "No,no,no," I shove off shyly hiding my smile. "You fought well too," I comment taking a bite of the drumstick looking up at him who wears an expression of Areyou-serious?. "Why weren't you?," Licking my lower lip Ii sit straight observing him who passes a glance at ChengLi and back at me "Am I missing something," I ask curiously when Cheng Li bursts into laughter. "He was just defending himself," ChengLi utters taking a sip of water he gulps it down and looks at me again "He was hiding himself behind the table and other objects letting them beat the table and hurt themselves," "I shouldn't have missed that scene," I smile cheekily at HenYu who scratches the back of his neck smiling crookedly as always when he is humiliated. "By the way how did they find the stolen things," I spit out the question which has been in mind all this while. "Actually the key was not with Gu Weiting," HenYu leans forward to speak while other's enjoy their meals "The officers found out that he is the criminal and sent his subordinate to inform us about it, we waited till you walk out so the officers can directly arrest them but you were late so we barged in to check out," "Ohhh," my lips forms to a circle shape the edge of the chopsticks between my teeth. "Efforts are wasted," I grumble whispering to myself. So basically my energy is wasted, disguising as a maid and tolerating him was for zilch... "As long as we got the points," I turn to my right to see Feng Lei his eyes glued on me, where was he all this while. "Yes," letting out a loud sigh I get up from my seat. "Where are you going?," HenYu questions with the food stuffed in his mouth. "Got to clear somethings out," I answer watching ChengLi who stops his moves and looks up at me ,his lips forming to a smile when I pass him a wink " And my sister is waiting there," I wave at Xu Xu who is standing impatiently by the staircase. "It's been a long time," Xu pouts holding my arm she swings it to and fro as a kid. "I know right ,you know something?," I chuckle holding her arm making her giggle. She is really cute sometimes which gives me a feeling like I'm her real older brother and she is my little sister. "Xiang proposed me," "What?," She stops in her tracks on the stair "Really," a wide smile makes it's way on her lips " I was right about it." "You know about it?," I furrow my eyebrows curiously facing her while climbing the stairs. "I didn't, but I knew about it as she always asks me about you," she giggles "She is beautiful," she faces me when we step to the second floor. "Do you like her?," she asks softly in a playful tone. "She....," "Is not your type," she completes my sentence and it's right always, no one knows me better than her. "Yeah," I point my index finger in the air, grinning I look straight when she holds my finger. "That's what you always say," she yells "I want to see you get married," "Is it? Then you have to wait a few more months as I'm in the academy now," I joke the side of lips twitching up when she glares at me crossing her arms over her chest "I need to tell you something not now but later," "What is it?," She leans forward on her tippy toes. "It's a secret and I'll tell you later," placing my index finger on her forehead I push her figure behind "because I have to hurry now," smiling at her curious expression I walk way to meet Xiang. I decided to tell XuXu about my identity as I feel guilty of being close her when she doesn't know about it. I can trust her in the fact that she won't tell others and I'm sure that she would be happy to know that I can be her sister as she always tell me that she loves to have a sister. XuXu has always been by my side, she cheers me up when I'm down, shares all her stories with me and helped me many ways. I just feel that she is someone who is important to know who I am after my family. Opening the door I enter the room where Xiang looks through the large window, turning around she passes me a gentle smile and bows greeting me. I got to be straight and let her know that I'm not interested in her because she will hurt at the end of the day if she knows that I'm not into her after a long time. I just want to make this clear right now to give a chance to ChengLi who loves her deeply. 30 Feng Lei's P.O.V I feel my cheeks get below my eyes when she smiles while talking to Xu Xu, leaning against the staircase grill she crosses her arms over her chest watching XuXu who is speaking. From the time I got to know that WanKe is a woman all her behaviour seems different on my view ,her manly behaviour makes it be like a tomboy. Every night is making me an owl as I couldn't fall asleep, pushing her away when she rolls around while sleeping is not what I do now, I try my best to keep myself cautious while sleeping, whenever she rolls around now I move to a side ending up getting the edge of the bed. Her closeness and touches are making my heart beat rise, she is being casual as always but I just couldn't remove the fact out of my mind. Her infectious smile makes my mentality go blank. "What are you smiling at?," "Huh," I snap to my right to see Ms Cheng her eyes moves to downstairs and back at me. "You both became friends," she asks smiling gently. "With whom?," "Master Wan," she looks down at him "He is known in here for his kind heart." "Oh, Yeah we became close," I reply looking down at her again my eyes never willing to remove my gaze from her. "Seems like he is special," she moves closer to me her voice sounding as a secret. "What?," My voice comes out loud without my realisation. Is it so obvious? Even ChengLi told the same thing The brother and sister shares the same brain "It's obvious, you know," she points at my face her lips forming to a wide smile showing off her white set of teeth "No one has seen you smile as that," "He is just a close brother and different from others," I look away not trying to make eye contact with her as Cheng has an effective brain unlike ChengLi. "You know love has no restrictions," "What do you mean?," I turn to face her but she walks away. "Don't forget what I told you?," She waves and enters the room. A sigh leaves my lips without my intention my eyes goes back to observe her who is still chatting with XuXu. Cheng has been telling me that JiangYi visited here and looked for her but XuXu covered up for her. The fact that he came here means he is up to something so tonight I've got something to do. Letting out a loud breath I stand straight moving away from the wooden rail I stroll downstairs. "Hey," she calls out noticing me walking downstairs "Leaving?." "The time is right," I reply dryly. "Alright then, see you on your birthday and I'll tell you about that as a present, I'm sure that you would be glad," passing a wink along with a winsome smile at XuXu she walks towards me "Are you and Ms Cheng in a...," "No," I snap walking towards our table when HenYu gets up from his seat and ChengLi walks towards us from the corner where Ah Xiang and he was conversing. "Oh, alright you don't have to nervous for that," she blurts her tone shows that she is mocking. " Why are you concerned about it," I ask stopping in my tracks making her to stop and face me, my cheeks and lips urging to move up but I keep them in control. "Because I would love to see you and your wife standing together," she answers quickly enthusiastically and looks away keeping a step forward. She is so eager to see how my wife looks. "Why don't you stand next to me on my wedding," my reply comes out without my realisation, my brain alerting me after the sentence is out. "Impossible because only your wife will be standing next to you," she laughs "Don't you know the culture of marriage," budging on my shoulder she hops forward. Why is she being so dumb right now? "Let's get back before it's late," ChengLi rubs his palm against each other passing a look at WanKe who is standing beside me, he nods smiling genuinely. This person is not like someone whom I've known all these years. He was always proud of his status and himself, after knowing him from the time my sister and Ms Cheng got too close I found out that I judged him wrong but it cannot be as that because he is really different with others. Maybe it's because WanKe. Keeping a step forward she budges on his arm and places her arm over his shoulders, both walks ahead whispering and laughing where as HenYu tries to pull her away from ChengLi. "What's wrong with you?," Wanke asks climbing top of the bed she places the useless circular pillow as a barrier, crossing her legs she sits facing me. "What do you mean?," I question being clueless of what is wrong with me. "You seem different since that day," "Which day?," I pull up an act knowing which day she is referring to. "The day when you...," She looks around rubbing the back of her neck taking a deep breath in she faces me leaning a little forward "The day when you found out," she grunts maintaining the low dangerous tone which clearly shows that she is frustrated. "Found out," curling up my eyebrows I watch her expression examining every single details, the way she is eager to know what's coming out next from my mouth "About what?," Hiding my smile I lean a little forward making sure that there is a decent distance between us her mouth moves to an 'O' shape. "Nothing," she snaps and lays down to sleep the following second I hear her soft snores. How can she sleep in a blink of an eye? From brightness the darkness begins to overtake me but I shoot open my eyes when I feel the weight on my legs, my mentality lets out a weary sigh, moving her leg away slowly I get down from the bed as I've got something to do. Taking my dress from the wooden box I sneak out hiding in the darkness. 31 Ms Cheng informed me that JiangYi came looking for her but we have no idea why, I stroll out in the streets in the darkness to find anything suspicious but there was none. Maybe he is not up to anything .The empty paths where only the moonlight and lanterns are brightening it up takes my mind to the person who is in the academy sleeping in my room. The picture of her face close to mine flashes in front of my eyes making my lips twitch up to a smile without my realisation. Did she put some spell on me or something because I just cannot stop thinking about her as day by day it's becoming a habit. Why am I changed all of sudden is it because I know that she is a girl or is it because she seems to be special comparing to the rest. Stopping by JiangYi's house I stay there for a while but he doesn't walk out, the sound of the door creak makes me attentive, leaning behind the pole I peep out to see him exiting his house watching around cautiously. My interpretation has never been wrong. Following him upstairs making sure that my steps doesn't occur any sound of the wood crack, he looks around one last time and knocks on the second floor house door, inserting his hand under the material of his chest he pops out something and slides it into his sleeve before I could analyse it. Bending low below the window I open the wooden door slowly, staying on my left knee with my right leg folded I lift the curtains a little to see what is happening inside. Seems like he is having an argument with that person but I couldn't see who it is as his back is facing me, moving a little side I try take a look at his face when he turns around. It's officer Yi Han He yells at JiangYi forcing him to get out but he stands still a dirty smile playing on his face, stepping forward he pushes him abruptly making him to fall over the cupboard, standing in front of him he pulls out the dagger from his sleeve and aims at his chest his hand held in the air by Yi Han, he tries to defend himself but he loses strength every second. Rushing to the door I barge into the study room where they are, gripping the back of his collar I throw him to the opposite direction. Helping Yi Han stand up I move in front of him. "It's you again," He growls laughing aloud as a maniac "I'll end all my rivals today," getting up on his feet, he picks up the fallen vase rushing to the window he throws it out, I examine him trying to find out what he is up to. The lights of some houses switches on and some people looks through the window , knowing that something is wrong here they begin to mind their own business. He stands still his eyes glued on me observing me , his eyes staring straight at mine. His eyebrows furrows and his expression shows that he is confused and I know why it is. He thought that I'm WanKe. Getting closer to him swiftly I smile under the black material tied around below my eyes as my knuckles connects with his face, splitting the skin over his cheekbone with the force of the blow. He grunts and drops to his knees, he takes out another dagger from his sleeve as the one which he used earlier is on the floor, I lash out backwards across the room when he comes forward moving the knife in the air. Yi Han steps forward to help me but stops his actions, his eyes widens in horror when the door opens and a woman walks in "What's happening here?," Her voice comes as a mere whisper in terror watching JiangYi with the knife and her husband's forehead which is bleeding. In a blink of an eye he gets behind her the sharp edge tracing over her skin, holding her in a tight grip he looks over her shoulder when she looks up trying to distance her neck from the touch of the dagger. "Stop right there," he screams making us to step back with our hands raised to show that we are up to no other action. "Yi Han," he calls out aloud "Give the files and photos back," he orders moving the dagger closer to her neck her cries filling the room. Wiping his forehead he sits on his knees and bows down "I'll give you everything please don't hurt her," he begs letting the tears flow over his cheeks, standing up with his wobbly legs he limps towards the cupboard pulling out the files with his trembling hands. I look around trying to find out a way to help them but my idea drowns when I see two men walking towards us with their face covered as well. One makes his way to Yi Han forcing him to hurry and the other walks towards me. My neck cracks to the right for the power of the blow making me to taste blood, licking his lower lip he brings his hand forward his knuckles coming in contact with my stomach making me to drop my knees on the carpeted floor. Bending low he leans closer facing me with an evil smile his finger touching the material over my face, turning around he looks at JiangYi and looks back at me when he nods indicating a yes. Closing my eyes I let him do it because I cannot defend myself and if I do so he will end up hurting the innocent woman. The surrounding captures silence for a moment and everyone stops their actions, the man in front of me turns around all our eyes fixed to the doorway where the shadow is getting closer. What is she doing here? Also without covering her face?