Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“Just let me talk to him real quick! I'm one of his favorites!”
The scene was chaotic yet oddly humorous, as each guard struggled to maintain order amidst a group that clearly had no intention of being easily deterred.
Lei broke the silence first. “Umm. . .”
I slowly turned to him.
“Bolin. Fengge.” Horror covered Lei's face. “Get them out of here.”
“Yes, sir.” Fengge bobbed his head. “We'll have them taken back to their rooms—”
“No.” Lei shook his head. “I want them out of the palace.”
Fengge widened his eyes. “Sir?”
“Get them on my plane and fly them out of the country. Tell them it’s a vacation on me and then work with Chen to come up with a Harem Exit Plan.”
Fengge cleared his throat. “An exit plan?”
“The harem has to end. I don’t want this anymore, and this. . .is clearly turning into a mental health situation and I don't need them anymore.”
“Uh. . .yes sir.” Fengge pulled out his phone. “I'll fly Chen here to discuss.”
“Insanity.” Lei guided me away and whispered in my ear, “I'm sorry. Our date wasn't supposed to be this crazy. We'll be somewhat alone soon.”
“Somewhat alone?”
“You'll see.”
We stepped off the elevator, our movements hesitant as we navigated through the narrow path the guards managed to maintain.
The women's calls grew louder and more desperate. “Lei, don't do this!”
One cried, her voice cracking with emotion. “What does she have that we don't?”
Tension gathered in my shoulders.
Some of the women began to sob. “We can change! Just tell us what you want!”
Lei leaned Fengge's way. “Have therapists on the plane and with them on the trip. I don't want them to hurt themselves.”
“I understand, Mountain Master.”
Another laughed nervously. “This must be a joke! Right? She's nobody!”
I swallowed and kept my head high.
I could never live here. This is too much.
As we walked away, the cries and calls of the women echoed down the corridor.
“Lei! Please!” Their voices intertwined with sobs and imploring shouts. “Lei!”
With his arm around my waist, Lei tenderly squeezed my side.
The cacophony of desperate pleas and heartbroken cries lingered in the air, haunting my steps.
However, the more we headed away, the less I could hear them and the more I was able to shove it all away.
Fengge and Bolin began to slow their pace and fall back, simply following us along with the other guards.
Slowly, I took the hallway in.
Wow. This space is beautiful too.
The hallway was a breathtaking vision in shades of blue. Light blue luxurious carpet covered the floor. It had a subtle pattern that mimicked the gentle ripples of a calm sea. The walls were painted in a tranquil shade of blue that perfectly complemented the carpet. Natural light streamed in from large windows, showing off the immaculate gardens outside.
The scent of blooming jasmine filled the air.
Lei spoke. “I never wanted any of that.”
“The harem?”
“Yes, and. . .I never anticipated that my actions would lead to their pain. . .”
“And obsession.”
He gazed at me. “I don't want them around anymore. Now that I'm truly understanding the power of intimacy, I want more. I want you.”
“I want you too.”
“Do you think sending them off on a vacation first will help?”
“Probably. Especially with your including therapists.”
“Many have spent all of their adult years simply focused on my pleasure and needs.” Lei moved his view forward. “I feel like shit for throwing them aside. What amount of money could make up for that wasted time?”
“You can't blame yourself for their reactions. You didn't ask for a harem in the first place—”
“But I allowed it.”
“You did.”
“But. . .a lot of things are about to change. It's time to really start ruling the East.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Ruling it my way.”
“And what way will that be?”
“I have no idea.”
My heart ached for him and the burden he carried upon his shoulders.
“As usual, I'll be here for you, Lei.” I looked at him. “And you're right. You have the power to change things now. To redefine your legacy. So, do it, just take your time.”
Lei and I rounded the corner, and a starkly different atmosphere greeted us.
Well. . .this is better than the other stuff.
His two aunts held an elegant tea party in the hallway and encircled a low table topped with the most exquisite gold tea set I've ever seen. Several plates of cookies and pastries were next to it.
Lei groaned in annoyance.
Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi wore these sumptuous dresses—elaborate teal, lace, and silk with tons of sequins and swirling motifs.
O-kay. . .
We continued closer.
Upon noticing us, their eyes twinkled mischievously and twin smirks played upon their lips.
“Good afternoon, Lei and Monique!” They lifted their cups in salute.
Lei scowled at them.
I smiled. “You both look lovely.”
“Oh.” Aunt Min glanced down at her expensive dress. “This old thing? Just something I threw on.”
Aunt Suzi giggled. “And how is your date going?”