Chapter 34: Kiss in public, I am Ben Xiao’s woman

The characters in the letter were written with a brush. The strokes were exquisite, and the calligraphy was profound, penetrating the paper with force. Ordinary calligraphy masters, without three to five decades of dedicated practice, could never achieve such perfection. Ben Xiao could also discern the hidden meaning behind the characters, muttering to himself, "Behind this exquisite calligraphy, there is still a hidden ambition, like a tiger swallowing the world." "This ninth master is extraordinary." Putting aside the matter, Ben Xiao picked up a lighter and burned the letter. The contents were straightforward. Three things. First, in five days, Andres Zhou would visit Rose Xie. Second, Vladimir Li of the Li family in Zhonghai had secluded himself for many years and was not involved in worldly affairs. Andres Zhou had significant influence in the Li family and had even received favor from Damon Xiao. This made it possible for Andres Zhou to agree to accompany Ben Xiao. Third, Andres Zhou, a peerless prodigy, was attending an auction at Marleau tonight for an item he was determined to obtain. Obviously, the item Andres Zhou was set on acquiring was Ben Xiao's opportunity. Watching the paper turn to ashes and fall into the ashtray, Ben Xiao's gaze became serious. "Peerless prodigy, Andres Zhou!" Ben Xiao entered the bathroom, washed away the blood, and came out again. Shortly after, Pearl Mu knocked on the door and walked in, bringing a bowl of steaming hot soup. "Ben Xiao, this is the ginseng tonic soup my dad made for you. Drink it while it's hot." Ben Xiao was momentarily stunned. Seeing the oil stains on her face and a smudge of black, Pearl Mu, without makeup, appeared surprisingly charming. "What are you staring at? Drink it. My dad said that even though you are a martial arts master, you shouldn't overexert yourself. You need nourishment; otherwise, it's not good for your health." Ben Xiao didn't reply; instead, he slowly reached out and gently wiped away the oil stains and black smudge on her face. Swish! Pearl Mu's whole body trembled. This was the first time a man had touched her face at such a close distance. The electrifying sensation swept through her entire body. Her body tensed, instinctively wanting to pull back. "Don't move!" Ben Xiao called out. The voice was not loud but carried an undeniable authority. Pearl Mu instantly froze, no longer moving. Her open and beautiful eyes watched Ben Xiao earnestly wiping away the oil stains on her face. The proximity was striking. It was her first time looking at Ben Xiao so closely. Actually, he was quite handsome. The firm and resolute facial features were appealing. Especially Ben Xiao's eyes, deep and vast, seemed filled with endless stories. For some reason, Pearl Mu's heart suddenly accelerated, and her face turned red. While wiping her face, Ben Xiao murmured, "In my life, I've only wiped the faces of two women. You are the third." Unable to resist, Pearl Mu asked, "Who are the other two?" Ben Xiao recounted the past, "The first one was the deputy marshal of the Xia family in Dragon Mountain. She was a good woman..." Pearl Mu's heart sank a bit, feeling a bit sour. But the next words from Ben Xiao made Pearl Mu's eyes moist. "At that time, the Xia family in Dragon Mountain was massacred. She ignored her family's opposition and rushed over to save me. In front of me, she was killed. When I buried her, I used my hands to wipe away the fresh blood on her face. I knew she loved beauty and didn't like dirty things on her face." As he spoke, Ben Xiao's face carried a touch of desolation and endless sorrow. "The second one is my master." Pearl Mu asked softly, "Your master?" Ben Xiao nodded, "Yes, my master is also a beautiful woman. Six years older than me." Pearl Mu increasingly felt that Ben Xiao was a mysterious presence. His experiences and hidden stories deeply attracted Pearl Mu. "Someone who can be your master should be very powerful, right?" Ben Xiao paused for a moment, and a hint of happiness appeared in his eyes. "Without my master, I would have died a long time ago. She protected me for five years and taught me martial arts. Of course, she's powerful, one of the most powerful people I've ever met." "I also have seven martial sisters and six martial brothers. They are all formidable. For Zhonghai... each one of them is like a divine existence." Hiss! Pearl Mu listened with a trembling heart. Combining the previous conversation with Fern Zhang, she roughly understood—five years ago, the Xia family in Dragon Mountain was destroyed by the martial arts world. Ben Xiao should have been practicing martial arts with his master and martial siblings. After five years. Without delving much into the matters of his master and martial siblings, Pearl Mu refrained from asking more. Although she appeared cold on the surface, inside, she was kind-hearted. She didn't want to mention too much about Ben Xiao's painful past. "Alright. Go look in the mirror." Ben Xiao stopped, picked up the ginseng tonic soup, and drank it in one go. Pearl Mu couldn't wait to stand in front of the full-length mirror nearby, looking at her face in amazement. Completely transformed. No trace of dust. Skin like jade, radiant and vibrant. "Ben Xiao, what did you do to me? The effect is even better than getting a facial." Ben Xiao said, "I used internal energy to clean you up a bit." Jokingly, how could a beauty salon facial compare to internal energy? "You're really amazing!" "Wait for me a moment." Pearl Mu turned and walked away with the bowl. She walked quickly but unknowingly dropped a hairpin on the ground. Ben Xiao bent down to pick it up; it was a silver butterfly hairpin. Exquisitely crafted, with a touch of nobility. On it was carved Pearl Mu's name. It seemed to be her beloved item. Ben Xiao couldn't help but show a faint smile. Getting in touch with Pearl Mu, Ben Xiao felt... she was quite good. He also started to accept this woman, accepting this marriage proposal. Even though it was just the beginning... Clutching the hairpin, Ben Xiao walked out of the room. Pearl Mu's room was diagonally opposite Ben Xiao's. The door was slightly ajar. Ben Xiao knocked on the door, but there was no response. He walked in, and a pleasant fragrance greeted him. The room had a violet theme, neatly arranged and cozy. On the desk, there was a notebook with a pen placed on it. Ben Xiao, with his sharp eyes, noticed that Pearl Mu was writing a diary. The title—Eighth Day of Marriage. Oh? This businesswoman and female CEO actually has such a girlish side? Does she write a diary? It seems to be related to him? Ben Xiao was about to read the contents of the diary when suddenly— Click! The bathroom door suddenly opened. Pearl Mu appeared, wearing a semi-transparent black lace camisole. The straps were very short, revealing her long and slender legs. The semi-transparent lace allowed light to pass through, revealing the outlines inside. At this moment, Pearl Mu saw Ben Xiao and was instinctively startled. Seeing Ben Xiao's eyes on her, she realized that she was dressed very revealingly. Her face immediately turned red, and she turned away, saying, "Get out!" Ben Xiao was about to explain, "I came to..." Before he could finish speaking, she interrupted, "No need to explain, get out!" "..." Helpless, Ben Xiao turned around and left. Ten minutes later, Pearl Mu walked out of the room. She stunned Ben Xiao. A silver narrow skirt with a pink camisole, black stockings wrapped around her long and well-proportioned legs. Paired with high heels, it showcased her graceful figure. She wore a purple windbreaker outside. Her long black hair fell to the left, adding a touch of charm. With bright color combinations, and high-end fabrics, she looked noble and stunning. Ben Xiao had to admit that Pearl Mu was an extraordinary woman. Ordinary so-called stunning beauties might appear amazing at first sight but become bland after a while. However, with Pearl Mu, she looked more and more stunning the longer you looked. "Ben Xiao, my mom went to Marleau ahead of us. Let's go now." Pearl Mu noticed that Ben Xiao was looking at her and felt a bit embarrassed. She quickly brought up the main topic. Ben Xiao nodded. He had to meet Andres Zhoui; it was necessary. Half an hour later, the two arrived at the entrance of Marleau. It was located in the ancient city by the river, with a style resembling the northern traditional garden architecture. An eight-story ancient tower, much larger than the Stork Tower. Each floor covered an area of over ten thousand square meters. The materials used were either redwood or golden nanmu wood, displaying extreme luxury. As they entered, they saw special security guards patrolling everywhere. Inside, it was lively, and people coming and going were dressed in luxury. Pearl Mu pulled Ben Xiao as they walked inside, explaining, "Marleau, known as the second tower in Zhonghai. Here, they circulate top-tier antique calligraphy and paintings, cultural relics, rare medicinal herbs, and some rare treasures. Those who come here are top tycoons and dignitaries from inside and outside Zhonghai. Ordinary people don't even have the qualifications to enter. Today, Marleau is auctioning rare treasures, so the security is extremely tight. We can come here because my mom got me an admission ticket." Ben Xiao nodded without expressing any opinion. "Just the construction cost of this ancient tower is priceless. Even if you stack all of Colin Chen's assets, it's not enough to build this ancient tower." "I didn't expect that in this corner of Zhonghai, such an ancient tower could be built." Pearl Mu widened her eyes, "Zhonghai is just a corner? This is a first-class city. Economically, it surpasses the entire Pyeongnam region." Ben Xiao did not argue and followed the crowd into the first-floor hall. There were many exhibits in the hall. All of them were rare antiques from ancient times. The surrounding visitors, through the glass display cabinets, were taking pictures and exclaiming. "Is this a hundred-year-old golden crown... a few years ago, it was auctioned for three billion, and I didn't expect Marleau to buy it." "Is this Tang Yin's Spring River at Night?!!" "This is the jade seal passed down from a small border country a hundred years ago... oh my god! Marleau is truly amazing!" "..." Ben Xiao looked around, feeling surprised. A golden crown, Spring River at Night by Tang Yin, the jade seal... all were genuine. Each one, when put up for auction, commanded a sky-high price. In the glass display cabinets, there were countless similar treasures, numbering more than tens of thousands? Marleau was so extravagant? Not simple at all. At this moment, a familiar voice came. "Pearl!" It was Mermaid Su, accompanied by a few people. Seeing Pearl Mu again, Mermaid Su was still so enthusiastic. However, when she saw Ben Xiao behind Pearl Mu, Mermaid Su's expression immediately darkened, showing a hint of embarrassment. Mermaid Su knew about the incident with the Lei family. Her father and elder brother had climbed from Jiangbei to Jiangnan, even shattering their kneecaps. This was a great shame for the Su family in Jiangnan. But Mermaid Su didn't bear any grudges against Ben Xiao. She knew that if Ben Xiao hadn't spared them, the Su family would have been finished. Enduring the embarrassment, Mermaid Su approached and thanked Ben Xiao, "Ben Xiao, thank you for last time." Ben Xiao waved his hand, "It's just a small matter. No need to worry about it." Swish! At this moment, a young man in a luxurious white suit walked up, blocking in front of Mermaid Su, warily looking at Ben Xiao, "Mermaid, who is he?" Mermaid Su didn't know how to explain. A friend? It seemed that with Mermaid Su's status, it wasn't enough to call Ben Xiao a friend. At this moment, Ben Xiao calmly said, "I'm Mermaid Su's friend." "Friend?!" The young man was somewhat displeased, arrogantly saying, "Let me introduce myself. I'm Leon Liu. My grandfather is the acupuncture king in Zhonghai. Our Liu family group is the second-largest pharmaceutical group in Zhonghai. Even Ndubisi Chen is my grandfather's disciple." "This time, Mermaid Su's elder brother and father were humiliated in the Lei family, seriously injured. My grandfather personally treated them. I'm pursuing Mermaid Su. You, stay away from Mermaid. Understand?" The voice was not loud, but it was domineering, carrying a strong warning. Mermaid Su wanted to stop him, but after reaching out her hand, she seemed to think of something and ultimately didn't say anything. She just smiled apologetically at Ben Xiao. After the warning, Leon Liu was quite satisfied, showing a bit of arrogance. He turned to Pearl Mu, who was stunning, and smiled as he extended his hand, "Miss Mu, it's been a long time. You look even more beautiful and charming." Pearl Mu did not shake hands but instead moved closer to Ben Xiao, holding onto his arm, "Leon Liu, hello. Let me introduce you. This is my... husband. Ben Xiao." Gasp! Leon Liu's hand froze in midair, and his face turned red. The heir of Zhonghai's second-largest pharmaceutical group, actively extending his hand for a handshake, was actually rejected? Quite embarrassing. In normal times, countless well-known models and women would vie to climb into his bed. Yet... Leon Liu gritted his teeth, awkwardly retracting his hand, "I didn't expect that the once-famous Three Goddesses of Zhonghai would secretly get married. Maybe my information is outdated. But does Slade know?" Hearing "Slade," Pearl Mu's face showed some embarrassment, "I had a low-key wedding, and I didn't inform others." Leon Liu chuckled, somewhat mocking, "Even Slade doesn't know. Miss Mu, you've gone too far. People in our circle often have frequent interactions. Everyone knows that Slade has been pursuing you. He even claims publicly that he won't marry anyone else but you, treating you as his designated woman. If Slade finds out that you suddenly got married, he might get angry." "Slade has a bad temper, and if he gets angry, the consequences can be severe." Ben Xiao frowned slightly and turned to ask Pearl Mu beside him, "Slade?" Pearl Mu explained, "Slade Zhong. Heir of the Zhonghai Medical King's family. One of the Four Princes of Zhonghai. Although he and Heber Jiang are both Four Princes, Heber Jiang is just a playboy, relying on the fame of his uncle Christian Zhang to secure the position of the first prince in Jiangdong. This position originally belonged to Malcolm Zhang, but Malcolm Zhang planned to join the military, so he kept a low profile. Otherwise, Jiangdong's first prince wouldn't even be Heber Jiang." "As for Slade Zhong, he does have real capabilities, surpassing Heber Jiang by many streets. He has been pursuing me crazily before, but I didn't agree." Ben Xiao nodded. So that's how it is. But Ben Xiao didn't think much of it. When Mu Zhengfeng was still around, the Mu family was also a top-notch powerhouse in Zhonghai. Pearl Mu, as one of the Three Goddesses, had countless top-tier sons pursuing her. It was quite normal. At this moment, Leon Liu sneered, "Slade has arrived." Swish swish swish! The crowd made way. The manager of Marleau's security, accompanied by a young man in red, walked in. The security manager of ordinary companies might not have much status. But the security manager of Marleau had an extraordinary identity. Normally, countless big shots would bend over backward just to flatter this high-ranking manager. Seeing this, everyone approached and greeted me respectfully. 'Who could make Manager Zhu personally lead the way?' 'Even the heir of Zhonghai's second-largest pharmaceutical group, Leon Liu, hasn't received this treatment.' 'The one Manager Zhu brought is Slade Zhong, one of the Four Princes of Zhonghai!' 'What? Slade Zhong, the legitimate eldest grandson of Zhonghai's Medical King?' The young man in red walked over with big strides, ignoring the big shots on both sides, and directly came to Pearl Mu's side. He casually took out a brocade box and handed it over, saying, "Pearl, this is a diamond Buddha statue I bought for 500 million at the Ross Auction overseas, created by Master Hector." "I just bought it and couldn't wait to return to China to give it to you." Manager Zhu on the side took advantage of the situation, "Slade just got off the plane and came straight here to give gifts. This intention is touching. The Mu family is in decline, but Slade is still true to his original intentions. Miss Mu, this is your good fortune." The people around, one after another, cast envious glances at Pearl Mu. To be favored by one of the Four Princes of Zhonghai, Slade... this was the dream of all the beautiful women in Zhonghai. Supreme glory. In the eyes of the public, Pearl Mu, however, once again held Ben Xiao's hand, "Slade, such a precious gift, I can't accept it. Let me introduce you. This is my husband. Ben Xiao." Swish! Slade's gaze sharpened. At this moment, Leon Liu approached and whispered something in Slade's ear. Slade stared coldly at Ben Xiao, disdainfully snorting, "Kid, I've pursued Pearl Mu for years without success. Never thought you, a loser, would beat me to it. If I'm not mistaken, you must have used despicable means." "Momentary triumph doesn't represent much. You'll understand that a goddess like Pearl Mu is not someone you can touch. You and I are not on the same level. How long can such a marriage last?" Pearl Mu gritted her teeth, slightly angered, "Slade, Ben Xiao and I got married with the consent of both sides' elders. He didn't use any despicable means. Watch your words." Slade didn't expect his admired goddess Pearl Mu to openly defend Ben Xiao. The more she did, the angrier Slade became. "Pearl, I know you're defending him to save face. But certain facts can never be changed." Slade sneered, "Five years ago, when Mr. Mu was absent, as the legal heir of the Mu Group, you were driven out by your uncles. In recent years, your situation hasn't been good. But as long as you become my woman, I can help you become the chairman of the Mu Group in minutes." "This is the power of Slade Zhong! Does he have this kind of power? Besides leeching off others, he can't help you at all. He'll only be a burden to you." "Pearl Mu, you're a smart and capable woman. What use is such a man? Now, you still have a chance to regret it. Pearl Mu, I don't mind if you've been married once before." His words were powerful and intimidating. After speaking, Slade felt that he had touched Pearl Mu's soul with his words, quietly waiting for her response. At this moment— Swish! Suddenly, Pearl Mu tiptoed, opened her arms, and embraced Ben Xiao's neck. In public, she kissed Ben Xiao. It was a long and passionate kiss. After a while, Pearl Mu finally let go. Her blushing face showed a hint of determination, "Ben Xiao is my husband. I, Pearl Mu, swear never to regret marrying him in this life!" "Slade, give up on this idea. There are many excellent women in the world. I hope you find someone suitable." After saying that, Pearl Mu, holding Ben Xiao's hand, turned and walked away. "Stop!!!" Slade roared, furious! When had he, who stood high above others, suffered such humiliation? Ben Xiao turned around, his expression slightly cold, "Anything else?" Slade asked Manager Zhu beside him, "Manager Zhu, today Marleau is hosting the annual auction, and an invitation is required to enter, right?" Manager Zhu replied, "Yes. One invitation can only admit one person. There are a total of eight hundred invitations." Slade pointed angrily at Ben Xiao, "This person is dressed plainly and doesn't seem to have received an invitation from Marleau. Manager Zhu, please check to avoid letting some unwelcome people sneak in and tarnish Marleau's reputation." Swish! Manager Zhu immediately understood and rushed to Ben Xiao, angrily asking, "Kid, show your invitation." Before Ben Xiao could speak, Pearl Mu took out an invitation, "We came together." Manager Zhu sneered, "Miss Mu, sorry. One invitation can only admit one person." "You!" Pearl Mu was irritated but couldn't find a valid reason to refute it. According to the rules, it was true. But usually, those who received invitations would bring one or two family members. However, according to the rules, there was nothing wrong. At this moment, Pearl Mu suddenly handed the invitation to Ben Xiao, "You came here for something important today, don't let it be delayed. I'll leave." After saying that, Pearl Mu turned to leave. Suddenly, a broad hand reached out and embraced Pearl Mu's waist. Turning around, it was Ben Xiao. "You don't have to leave." Pearl Mu frowned, "But..." Ben Xiao smiled, "It's okay. Leave it to me." "Is having an invitation for Marleau that impressive?" Ben Xiao then took out a lighter, directly burning the invitation into ashes, fluttering to the ground. "I, Ben Xiao, coming to Marleau, do I need an invitation?" "Today, I want to see who dares to drive away my woman!"