Chapter 40: The Wager and the Wily Husband

Upon hearing her words, Bai Hao froze for a moment, his face instantly contorting into a bitter grimace.

“Xia Zhiquiu, you can’t be serious,” he protested, his voice laced with disbelief. “We’re married, the official, certificate-holding kind, and you’re actually suggesting we sleep in separate rooms?”

A flicker of unease darted through Xia Zhiquiu’s beautiful eyes as she listened to the young man’s lament, yet she defiantly puffed out her chest, placed her hands on her hips, and retorted.

“What’s wrong with wanting separate rooms? Stop prattling and go book a room, now!”

Realizing there was no room for negotiation, Bai Hao let out a resigned sigh and dutifully made his way to the front desk.

Yet, in a corner unseen by others, a crimson flash flickered within Bai Hao’s eyes, causing the two receptionists to momentarily fall into a daze before swiftly regaining their composure.

“I’d like a king-sized room, please.”

Bai Hao stated, producing his identification card.

Upon hearing his request, the receptionist immediately offered an apologetic expression.

“I’m terribly sorry, young sir, but our hotel is completely booked.”

Hearing this, Bai Hao turned his head to face Xia Zhiquiu, his expression utterly innocent.

Xia Zhiquiu, frowning at the situation, promptly stepped forward.

“Then you should try checking other hotels.”

No sooner had her words left her lips than the receptionist interjected.

“Guests, it’s quite likely other hotels are also fully booked at this hour. With National Day approaching, it’s simply unavoidable.”

Instantly, Bai Hao adopted a pitiable demeanor, his gaze fixed directly on Xia Zhiquiu.

Though Xia Zhiquiu knew perfectly well that the young man was merely feigning distress, she couldn’t bring herself to be heartless.

“Alright, alright, just come to my room.”

After all, she couldn’t possibly leave him to sleep on the streets, could she?

This was precisely what Bai Hao had been waiting for; he chuckled softly, taking Xia Zhiquiu’s delicate hand, and trailed behind her, his gaze lingering on her shapely figure.

Just as they were about to step into the elevator, he subtly snapped his fingers, and instantly, the two receptionists at the front desk began to stir from their daze.

They rubbed their necks, exchanging bewildered glances.

“Where did those two guests go?”

“I’m not sure, perhaps they’ve already gone up to their room. But were they really a couple? Their ages didn’t seem to match at all.”

“Still, they were both wearing wedding rings and playfully bickering. Perhaps it’s just a wealthy woman and her kept man.”

***

Bai Hao, of course, remained oblivious to their subsequent conversation, for he had already followed Xia Zhiquiu into their room, a spacious king-sized suite.

Perhaps due to Xia Zhiquiu having already occupied the room for two days, a subtle, captivating fragrance permeated the air, a delightful scent that was unmistakably hers.

Without a hint of hesitation, Bai Hao promptly collapsed onto the plush king-sized bed, then beckoned to Xia Zhiquiu.

“Xia Zhiquiu, come sit down. Why are you just standing there?”

Xia Zhiquiu gazed at the young man, a moment of hesitation passing before she finally settled onto the edge of the bed, her crimson lips parting slightly.

“Understand this: you’re to behave yourself tonight. No funny business!”

Hearing her warning, Bai Hao merely offered a faint smile, sitting up and leaning closer to the alluring woman before him.

“Xia Zhiquiu, have you perhaps forgotten the terms of our wager?”

Xia Zhiquiu’s delicate frame shivered at his words; the young man mentioning their bet was precisely what she dreaded most. Consequently, she stammered vaguely.

“Of-of course I haven’t forgotten. But I’m tired today, so let’s discuss this another time.”

With that, Xia Zhiquiu attempted to flee, but Bai Hao, having a complete grasp of her intentions, promptly seized her delicate shoulder.

“Xia Zhiquiu, do you truly take me for a fool? Tonight, there’s no escaping…”

Xia Zhiquiu’s heart hammered in her chest at his words. With a mixture of shame and fury, she turned her head to meet the young man’s unwavering gaze.

Yet, confronted by the young man’s undeniable stare, Xia Zhiquiu found her courage to resist slowly draining away. She couldn’t explain why, but eventually, she timidly averted her eyes, exposing her fair, graceful neck.

“Do you… do you find pleasure in humiliating me?”

Observing the alluring woman’s aggrieved expression, Bai Hao nodded without a hint of pretense.

“How could this be humiliation? It’s merely a small pleasure. Besides, didn’t you assist me last time? In essence, this time is no different.”

Xia Zhiquiu’s beautiful face flushed crimson, and she shot a fierce glare at the young man. Nevertheless, she ultimately yielded, albeit reluctantly…

***

As the night grew hazy, Bai Hao sat by the bed, gently coaxing a sulking Xia Zhiquiu.

“Xia Zhiquiu, I’m sorry. Please don’t be angry with me, alright?”

Hearing the young man’s apology, Xia Zhiquiu still felt a prickle of discomfort in her heart. His recent crude actions had left her feeling like nothing more than a…

‘Had he truly begun to see her as his wife?’

Yet, a sudden jolt went through Xia Zhiquiu’s mind. ‘Why was she even entertaining such a thought? She had never intended to be his wife in the first place, had she?’

‘She liked women; she would never, ever like men! She couldn’t possibly!’

With that thought, Xia Zhiquiu pushed herself away from the young man’s embrace, her voice chillingly indifferent.

“I’ve fulfilled my part of the wager. Move over; I’m going to sleep.”

With those words, Xia Zhiquiu burrowed deep into the covers, even tucking her head inside. Though she was clearly angry, the sight made her seem utterly adorable.

Bai Hao, in response, shook his head with a soft, wry chuckle. He slowly approached the bed, intending to lift a corner of the quilt to settle down for the night himself.

The moment his hand brushed the covers, however, Xia Zhiquiu swiftly pulled them away, wrapping herself tighter. The beautiful woman glared at him, her gaze icy and unforgiving.

“This is mine. If you want a blanket, you’ll have to find your own!”

Bai Hao felt a headache begin to throb. ‘Women truly become so petty when they’re angry,’ he mused.

“Alright, alright, Xia Zhiquiu, you keep it. I don’t need a blanket.”

With that, Bai Hao lay down, seemingly drifting off to sleep.

Xia Zhiquiu, her beautiful eyes still open, watched the young man. A growing irritation simmered within her. ‘No,’ she thought, ‘I can’t let this guy be so comfortable!’

With this thought, Xia Zhiquiu continued her mischievous antics. She extended a foot and kicked the young man, then snatched the pillow, hugging it tightly to her chest.

“This is mine too. You can go sleep on the floor.”

Bai Hao rubbed his temples, a helpless smile gracing his lips as he sat up, gazing at the ‘auntie’ huddled in the quilt, seemingly begging for a lesson.

“Xia Zhiquiu, it seems you won’t calm down unless I give you a proper ‘education,’ will you?”

With that, Bai Hao seized the alluring woman’s delicate foot, effortlessly bringing her entire body under his control.

Xia Zhiquiu was utterly bewildered at this point, staring blankly at the young man as regret finally began to bloom within her.

“W-what do you want? Let go of me! I was wrong…”