C93 – Counterattack
Zhang Xiaoloong was startled by the sudden turn of events, particularly the uncomfortable sensation of the other party’s ample bosom pressing against him. He felt awkward and his blood surged with unease.
Little Lang, sensing impending trouble, slipped into the vegetable field, fearing another scolding.
“Elder Sister Lianzi, what are you doing?” Zhang Xiaoloong hastily attempted to disentangle himself.
Although Zhang Xiaoloong resisted whenever Yang Jingjing or Chen Yaru initiated intimacy, he couldn’t deny harboring some anticipation in his heart. He even found pleasure in their closeness.
While his interactions with them hadn’t amounted to major transgressions, if it were Lee Xiulian, it would be a grave mistake.
Lee Xiulian stood apart from Chen Yaru and the others. As a married woman and his elder, succumbing to such shameless acts was unthinkable, no matter his impulses.
“What’s the matter? Weren’t you enjoying Elder Sister Lianzi’s embrace?” Lee Xiulian seemed puzzled. “Didn’t you also touch me when we were inside?”
“Huh?” Zhang Xiaoloong’s mind reeled.
The vividness of the dream suddenly made sense. His subconscious had indeed made a move while he dreamt.
“What? It’s normal to desire someone so mature. Elder Sister Lianzi hasn’t said anything about you, and besides…” Lee Xiulian’s cheeks flushed slightly, “She’s long hoped for you to reciprocate.”
“No, no, no, I never intended that. I was merely dreaming.” Zhang Xiaoloong’s anxiety induced sweat beads to form. “I don’t even know what I did. I apologize, Elder Sister Lianzi, it wasn’t intentional…”
Fortunately, his dream didn’t come to fruition. Initially, he felt regretful, but now he considered himself fortunate. Otherwise, how would he face Lee Xiulian and Wang Tiezhu in the future?
“As long as it wasn’t deliberate?” Lee Xiulian wrinkled her nose, feigning annoyance. “I’m a woman. I allowed you to hold and touch me, and all you say is it wasn’t on purpose. Is that all?”
Zhang Xiaoloong felt helpless. Her words rang true. If that were truly the case, he was truly despicable. After all, regardless of his intentions, he had indeed touched her. Even if he didn’t know where, it was still inappropriate.
Yet, it was fortunate he had only touched her. It wasn’t like the feudal era where such actions could lead to dire consequences. If that were the case, he would have caused quite a stir by now.
“So, Elder Sister Lianzi, what’s our next step?” Zhang Xiaoloong cautiously inquired, downplaying the gravity of the situation to avoid upsetting her with blunt remarks that could potentially provoke her anger.
He was also of the opinion that Lee Xiulian wouldn’t impose overly harsh demands on him, for if that were the case, she would have reached her breaking point by now.
Noticing Zhang Xiaoloong’s apologetic demeanor, he patiently awaited her directive. Lee Xiulian, with a laugh, approached and affectionately linked arms with him. “Haven’t I made it clear? I don’t hold any grievances against you. My only desire is to share a child with you. As a woman to a man, I assure you I won’t burden you with attachment. I’ll take full responsibility for our child’s upbringing without expecting anything from you.”
“This is out of the question,” Zhang Xiaoloong immediately protested upon hearing such a preposterous proposal again, desperately trying to distance himself. “How could I possibly justify this to Grandfather Zhuzi?”
When Lee Xiulian realized his steadfast refusal, it dawned on her that Zhang Xiaoloong had been mistakenly idealistic during their previous encounter. She recognized her misjudgment in believing he shared her sentiments.
With this realization, she kept her distance, wary that any further advances might lower her esteem in his eyes even more.
“Elder Sister Lianzi feels utterly ashamed,” Lee Xiulian lamented, sinking to the ground in a gesture of despair. “Do you perceive me as disgraceful for seducing a younger man at my age, betraying Wang Tiezhu?”
Zhang Xiaoloong offered consolation without delving into rebukes. “Elder Sister Lianzi, I acknowledge your kindness towards me. You’re a good person. Should you face any difficulties, as your junior, I’m here to assist. Let’s agree to forget this misunderstanding. I assure you, Grandfather Zhuzi will remain oblivious.”
“You’re missing the point. It’s a trap with no escape,” Lee Xiulian uttered amidst sobs, drawing her knees close.
“What’s wrong?” Zhang Xiaoloong rushed to her side, concerned.
“It’s Wang Tiezhu…,” Lee Xiulian began, her voice faltering before she could continue.
Through her fragmented account, Zhang Xiaoloong pieced together the essence of her predicament.
Lee Xiulian was compelled into this situation because her father, unable to repay a debt to Wang Tiezhu, saw no alternative but to offer his daughter in marriage.
Wang Tiezhu initially resisted the idea, but upon her father’s insistence, agreed to a meeting, intending to reject her and suggest a gradual repayment of the debt instead.
However, upon meeting, Wang Tiezhu found Lee Xiulian captivatingly beautiful, reminiscent of her youthful bloom over a decade ago, leading him to not only forgive the debt but also provide a marriage dowry.
Lee Xiulian found herself wedded to Wang Tiezhu, a man over a decade her senior.
Despite her reluctance, she acquiesced to the marriage arranged by her parents. Any opposition proved futile.
She endured the union, naive at the time, permitting her husband to have his way. Initially, she took solace in infrequent intimacy.
Eventually, Wang Tiezhu became impotent.
Family members, candidly, dissuaded Lee Xiulian from pursuing divorce, fearing societal judgment and the financial implications. They even suggested accepting another man’s child if necessary.
Thus, she resigned herself to the marriage, reaching her early thirties without the will to dissolve it.
However, Lee Xiulian yearned for motherhood, feeling incomplete as a woman without children.
“Elder Sister Lianzi, you’ve endured so much,” Zhang Xiaoloong empathized.
Marrying an older man, Lee Xiulian, once a radiant beauty, suddenly became a widow after over a decade. It would be overwhelming for anyone.
“What’s there to complain about?” Lee Xiulian wiped her tears, forcing a bitter smile. “Sometimes I find solace in Wang Tiezhu’s home. We have sustenance, and despite his temper, he defers to me. What more can one ask for in life?”
Zhang Xiaoloong could only listen silently, unsure of how to respond.
“But deep down, I still yearn for a child…” Lee Xiulian continued tearfully.
Sensing her anguish, Zhang Xiaoloong squatted beside her, offering a comforting hand. “It’s alright, Elder Sister Lianzi. I understand your pain…”
Suddenly, Lee Xiulian shoved him to the ground, her hands pressing firmly against his chest. “Good brother, take me instead. I don’t want other men. I want you!”
With those words, she began unfastening her buttons.
This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by (f)reew𝒆b(n)ovel.com