Golden Scale [EN]: Chapter 100

On the way, Zhang Yuqiang remained silent, his expression suggesting he was sorting through his thoughts, preparing for their conversation.

Hou Longtao mirrored his quiet demeanor, a virtue that would soon reveal why he had been summoned.

Since leaving the World Trade Center, the police car had been heading east for half an hour, onto the expressway, drawing closer to the “suburbs.”

‘If we keep going like this, we’ll end up in ‘Fu, Lu, Shou’ [a common term referring to a cemetery or funeral home],’ Hou Longtao thought, frowning. ‘Is this about that matter? No way, that was just a small thing, and it happened years ago. It can’t possibly bother him now.’

Just then, Zhang Yuqiang abruptly pulled the police car into the emergency lane, stopping slowly. He tossed a cigarette to Hou Longtao. “Hou Longtao, want to know what I think of you?”

“Yes,” Hou Longtao replied with a slight smile. Since the question was posed, any answer would lead to the same outcome.

“You’re smart, resourceful, and ruthless. Your influence is constantly growing. I don’t know if you have ambition, but I think you should.”

“Brother Qiang, you overestimate me.”

“My ambition isn’t like yours—ruling the streets or making money in shopping malls.”

“I understand what you mean, Brother Qiang.”

“Essentially, you’re no longer a complete outsider. There are things people like me can’t do, and things people like you can’t do. You understand that, right?”

“Yeah, I understand.” Hou Longtao felt a knot of nervousness tighten in his stomach, realizing he still couldn’t discern Zhang Yuqiang’s true intentions.

“You, me,” Zhang Yuqiang waved his finger horizontally between them, “these two types of people, if they can combine, that would be ideal.”

“Hehe, why ‘if’? With Yuqian’s relationship, I’m naturally on your side.”

“Is that so?” Zhang Yuqiang glanced sideways at his future brother-in-law. “Then what about Xu Ruyun, Liu Ruyan, Zheng Yueling, He Liping, Xue Nuo, Ren Jingyao, Chen Qian, Chen Xi? What about these women?”

After being lectured at the Zhang’s house that night, Hou Longtao had suspected they knew everything about his private life. Though somewhat prepared, he was still shocked when Zhang Yuqiang suddenly listed the names of several of his lovers. Cold sweat broke out, and his mind raced.

“What’s wrong? Playing dumb?”

“I… I…” Hou Longtao struggled to remain calm, trying to regain his composure. His ‘brother-in-law’ hadn’t mentioned Shi Ya, Qu Yan, or Qingying, suggesting he was unaware of those deliberately concealed relationships.

“Don’t be nervous. We’re all men; I understand this kind of thing. You’re quite lucky with the ladies, even more so than me.”

“Does Yuqian know?”

“Of course not. Otherwise, with her temper, she would have chopped off your balls long ago.”

“Why did you ask me here, Brother Qiang?” Hou Longtao finally asked, unable to maintain his cool facade any longer. His position was too precarious.

“Well, I should have told Yuqian to kill you, or I could have killed you directly, but Director Gu thinks you’re a good talent, and it would be a pity to waste you. Plus, he has a special relationship with you, so he hopes you’ll be sensible.”

“Director… Director Gu?”

“Gu Quanzhi.”

“You know each other?”

“He and my dad are old friends. If it weren’t for him speaking up for you, do you think my grandpa and my dad would let you date my sister, a mere hoodlum with no background? My family doesn’t even think highly of Donghua.”

“Brother Qiang, just get to the point.”

“Alright, I told you before, as long as you don’t cause trouble, no one will dare to touch you. But now you’re causing trouble for my family. Yuqian is my dear sister, and she’s been our family’s treasure since she was a child. I didn’t want to make a scene about this in front of her last time. Do I need to say more?”

“You want me to give them up?”

“Yes, it’s hard to let go of anyone, but you have to weigh the pros and cons. Except for the women in my family, other women are just dispensable toys. Once you’re done playing with them, that’s it. Now you only have two choices: either be my brother-in-law, or die. There should have been a third option, which is for you to leave Yuqian, but you used some kind of magic on her, making her fall in love with you. You blocked that path yourself.”

Hou Longtao remained silent, a bead of sweat trickling down his cheek. He stuck a cigarette in his mouth, puffing desperately, finishing half of it in three drags.

“As a member of the family, I value your talent and hope you can join us. But as Yuqian’s brother, if you ever let her down, no matter how rare your talent is, I’ll make sure you die without a burial place. So don’t blame me for threatening you. You know I have the ability to make my words come true. You don’t need to rush to make a decision. Think it over carefully. You have a week. I believe you’re a smart man.” Zhang Yuqiang delivered his cold ultimatum and started the car.

Hou Longtao still didn’t answer, lighting another cigarette. He was indeed seriously considering Zhang Yuqiang’s words. He needed to choose between his life and his beloved women. He had always considered himself a rational person, and rationality was his most effective weapon for ‘conquering cities and seizing territories,’ as well as his means of survival. But this time, he found himself leaning toward emotion, which surprised him…

After dinner on Tuesday evening, Yuqian followed Hou Longtao back to his suite at the Tianlun Dynasty Hotel. She was still in her uniform from work, the beautiful police attire accentuating her figure. Her full chest pushed out two arcs on her shirt, her tie resting in the cleavage between them. The cuffs of her black police pants covered part of her black high heels. When a woman has a good figure, she looks good in anything.

As soon as she entered the room, Yuqian turned and wrapped her arms around Hou Longtao’s neck, kissing him. “What’s wrong? You were so quiet during dinner.”

“N-nothing,” Hou Longtao said with a dry smile. “Go to the living room; I’ll get you something to drink.”

“Okay.” Yuqian tilted her head, looking at her lover with a questioning gaze, and turned to enter the bedroom. Although Hou Longtao had resolved to tell this big sister [a term of endearment and respect] everything, seeing her beautiful face and the affectionate look in her eyes, he didn’t know how to begin. How could he avoid hurting her?

Yuqian had already taken off her shoes and gotten into bed. Seeing Hou Longtao come in with drinks, she raised her right foot in the air and waved it at him. “High heels are uncomfortable; can you rub my feet for me?”

Looking at Yuqian’s cute appearance with her pouting lips and flirtatious eyes, Hou Longtao felt a surge of love for her, but the more he felt this way, the more uncomfortable he became.

Hou Longtao put the drinks on the TV cabinet, sat on the edge of the bed, and reached out to hold Yuqian’s foot, encased in black stockings. It was warm, delicate, and exquisite, like a finely crafted work of art. He rubbed it with great emotion and care. Yuqian suddenly pulled her leg back, knelt up, and hugged Hou Longtao’s neck from behind, leaning her upper body slightly forward, pressing against his broad back, and pressing her face against his. “Brother Tao, is something on your mind? Did you encounter trouble outside? Tell me; I’ll help you solve anything.”

“Yuqian,” Hou Longtao raised his hands, intertwined his fingers with hers, and held them tightly. “I love you, you know that, right?”

“I know.” Yuqian’s heart fluttered. This was the first time her lover had uttered those three words that all women loved to hear.

“The first time I saw you was on the plane. I suspected your background, but I didn’t expect it to be so profound. To be honest, I don’t care. I love you as a person.”

“Then what do you love about me?”

“Love is a chemical reaction. I’ve always felt that love that can be explained isn’t true love. I only know that every time you look at me, the blood in my whole body starts to burn.”

“You’re so cheesy today; I’m getting goosebumps.”

“You don’t like me saying these things?”

“I do; the cheesier, the more I like it.”

“I… I have a side you don’t know about,” Hou Longtao said, gritting his teeth. He had to do it sooner rather than later. “I… I’m not a good man. I’m a lecher, a playboy. I have many women.”

“I know.” Yuqian’s tone didn’t change, remaining as relaxed and loving as before.

Hou Longtao jumped up, turned around, and looked at the still-smiling Yuqian in disbelief. He was speechless.

In this situation, a man has no chance of winning. If you don’t confess, the women think you’re deceiving them; if you confess, the women think you’re not considering their feelings. There’s no way to avoid a ‘storm.’ It was unimaginable that Yuqian could still be smiling like this, unlike his other lovers, who all had special reasons.

Hou Longtao thought of Zhang Yuqiang’s comment about Yuqian’s temper. He really couldn’t understand it.

“What’s wrong?” Yuqian smiled sweetly, knelt forward to the edge of the bed, and hugged the speechless Hou Longtao’s neck again. “Surprised? Don’t be so nervous.”

“D-did your brother tell you?”

“Does my brother know? He didn’t tell me. Then I’ll have to teach him a lesson when I get back. It wasn’t him who told me. I have my own sources.”

“You investigated me?”

“Of course. During my last year in the United States, I basically received reports about you every month.”

“Why?” Hou Longtao suddenly felt a surge of anger. He felt that Yuqian had no right to investigate his private life. At that time, they didn’t have any special relationship, and even if they did, she had no right.

“I don’t know. I just wanted to know everything about you. You gave me a feeling I had never felt before. I don’t know, after we parted at the airport, I often thought of you, always wanting you to call me, but in the end, I had to find you first, hmph. After returning to the United States, hmph… anyway, I always thought about you, do you understand?”

“I understand, I understand…” Hou Longtao bent his legs slightly and hugged Yuqian’s slender waist tightly, burying his face in her neck. It seemed she had ‘fallen in love at first sight’ with him, and since she had that kind of ability, anyone would have done what she did. “You don’t care?”

“Men are all the same, especially someone like you who’s in business, young, and has good conditions. There must be a lot of women throwing themselves at you, and it’s inevitable to have some affairs. My mom also said that before marriage, men can mess around for a while. After marriage, as long as they put their wives and families first, occasional mistakes can be forgiven, just like my dad.”

“That’s what your mom said?”

“Yeah, capable men are all like that. It’s a common trait, not a personal one, and it doesn’t depend on women’s will. But I’m not as generous as her. Before we get married, as long as you love me, I don’t care if you play with other women. But after we get married, I’ll only allow you to be with me. You’re my beloved man, you’re my only man, you’re mine alone, and only I can enjoy your love.”

“Marriage…”

“Yeah, I know it’s a little early to discuss this issue now, but I’ve already decided on you for life. You’re my Mr. Right,” Yuqian held Hou Longtao’s face and looked at him affectionately. “When are you taking me home to meet your future parents?”

“Yuqian, you probably don’t understand what I mean. I’m lustful, I’m a playboy, but I’m not unfaithful.”

“What do you mean?” Yuqian noticed that Hou Longtao’s expression had changed from surprise to pain, and she realized that the situation didn’t seem optimistic.

“I… I love them; I can’t leave them.”

Unexpectedly, Yuqian, who usually acted like a big sister, didn’t explode. She just let go of Hou Longtao, lowered her body, and knelt down. “You love them? Love? Does that love mean the same thing as when you love me?”

“Yes.”

“Yes? There are so many of them, and now there’s me. How can you love? How can you love so many? Is your love for each person the same?”

“The same, without bias.”

“How is that possible? How can one person’s heart be divided into so many parts? You either love this one and not that one, or love that one and not this one. It’s impossible to love both, and it’s even more impossible to love both equally. Loving both means loving neither.”

“Why? Why can’t a man love two women or more at the same time? A person’s most precious wealth is life. If there are two women who can make a man risk his life for them, can you say that his feelings for one are real and his feelings for the other are fake, or that his feelings for both are fake?”

“Okay, two people fall into the water, and you can only save one. Which one do you save?”

“Classical question. The one with a strong character, the one who can still recover after leaving me—I’ll save her, and then I’ll go look for the other one. Although fate has determined that I can’t save her, I’ll use my last bit of strength. I give the other one the right to continue living, proving my love. I sacrifice my own life for the second one, also proving my love.”

“Has someone asked you this question before? Have you thought about it carefully before?”

“I once asked myself this question.”

“Is that so? Then can a woman love two men at the same time? Can I love you and also love Tian Donghua? Can I sleep with you and still go sleep with him?”

“No, no, absolutely not!” Hou Longtao became agitated. “My woman is my woman; I won’t share her with other men, not even once! No one is allowed to touch my woman!”

“Are you kidding me? No wonder Auntie said you’re a chauvinist.” Yuqian’s words were still unhurried.

“Yuqian,” Hou Longtao suddenly squatted down, curled up, and grabbed his hair with both hands. From his appearance, you could tell that his heart was struggling painfully. “Are you torturing me?”

“Torturing you?” Yuqian got off the bed, knelt in front of Hou Longtao, and pulled his hands down from his head. “Silly brother, I can’t bear to torture you. I know that emotionally, this kind of decision is difficult to make, but it’s not difficult to choose.”

“Yuqian, do you understand what I mean? I won’t leave them.”

“What?” Yuqian stood up and looked at Hou Longtao with a strange look. “You won’t leave them? Then what’s the point of confessing to me today? What are you trying to achieve?”

“I don’t know,” Hou Longtao also stood up, took a few steps back, leaned against the low table by the window, and lit a cigarette. “I really don’t know. Your brother gave me only two choices: either give up my women, or give up my life. I only know that they are more important than my life, but you… but you are just as important as my life…”

“Me and them, choose.” Yuqian’s voice was finally no longer so calm.

“I can’t, I… teach me, teach me how to choose.”

“Is there even a question?”

“I won’t leave them, but I really can’t bear to lose you either. I think… I think… if possible, you could…”

“Slap!” Before Hou Longtao could finish speaking, Yuqian had already rushed over. The slap sent his glasses and cigarette flying, and a palm print immediately appeared on his face.

“Are you stupid!?” Yuqian shouted hysterically. She had always firmly believed that no man would be foolish enough to give up the opportunity to marry into her family. Joining her family would guarantee a smooth rise to power, and she knew that it was no exaggeration to describe herself as ‘stunningly beautiful.’ Adding these two factors together, anyone would fall at her feet. That was why she had been so calm all along. But the reality was too unexpected for Yuqian. It was as if she had been awakened by a thunderbolt. She suddenly realized that the man she truly loved was not satisfied with just having her and worshiping her. This was a great blow to her never-before-injured self-esteem and confidence.

Yuqian took another step forward, grabbed Hou Longtao’s collar with both hands, and shook him. “How dare you!? How dare you compare me to those lowly women!? I love you wholeheartedly, and you’re so ungrateful!? Do you know how many men dream of being with me!? If other men got me, they would laugh in their sleep! You… you… you…” Her face was pale, her graceful body trembled, and her voice was hoarse.

“Qian, Qian, don’t be like this, don’t be like this,” Hou Longtao cupped Yuqian’s face, and tears welled up in his eyes. His voice was also trembling. “I… I know how lucky I am to have your favor,” he began to kiss her face. “This… this face,” he kissed her arms and hands again. “This… this arm, Yuqian, I love… I love you, I really love you…”

“No, no,” Yuqian pushed Hou Longtao away slightly. “It’s not that simple. Since you’ve brought it up, you have to make a choice. You have to give me a clear answer. I want you to leave them. You’re mine alone!”

“No, I won’t leave them, but…”

“You… you… Hou Longtao!” An angry expression appeared on Yuqian’s pretty face, which then turned into ‘ferocity.’ “Are you disregarding me for them!? Fine, fine, you like them, don’t you? You want them to be my rivals; I’ll let them know what happens when they try to steal my man!”

“What do you want to do?” Hou Longtao’s heart sank. His brother wanted his life, but his sister wanted to deal with his beloved wives.

“Hmph, hmph, hmph, aren’t they cheap? Don’t they like other people’s men? Then I’ll find them dozens of other people’s men and let them have their fill!”

“What!” Hou Longtao suddenly grabbed one of Yuqian’s wrists, his eyebrows raised, his teeth clenched, his eyes almost popping out, and the muscles on his face twitching. He could be described as stern and fierce, sweeping away his previous ‘gentle’ demeanor. “Zhang Yuqian, I warn you, if you dare to touch a single hair on their heads, even if your family is the King of Heaven, I’ll risk my life, and I’ll… I’ll…”

“What will you do!?” Yuqian struggled to pull her arm back, but Hou Longtao’s grip was like an iron clamp, holding her tightly, and she couldn’t move. “You… you let go of me, you bastard! It hurts; you’re hurting me…” Her expression had changed; it was a picture of misery, grievance, anger, and bitterness, which would make anyone feel sorry for her.

“Although I can’t bear to do anything to you, as long as I’m alive, I won’t look at you again, I won’t say another word to you, I don’t know, I don’t know, maybe I’ll hate you, I don’t know what I’ll do, but you’re not allowed to hurt them!”

“You…” Yuqian’s mouth drooped. “You don’t care about me at all; you’re scolding me, you’re scolding me for them; you promised you would never scold me…”

With a ‘thump,’ Hou Longtao knelt on the ground, gently stroking Yuqian’s wrist that he had grabbed. “Yuqian, it’s all my fault, it’s all my fault; I’ve let you down, I’m sorry to you, I know you’re wronged, you can come at me, you can do whatever you want to me, I have no complaints. But they have no responsibility for this; I beg you not to vent your anger on them; I beg you not to hurt them.”

“Hmph,” Hou Longtao’s gentle words were met with a cold laugh from Yuqian. “Men have gold under their knees [a saying that men should not kneel easily], you kneel for a few women, and beg for mercy in a low voice; don’t you feel ashamed?”

“My dignity, my life, are insignificant compared to the women I love. You know, I would do the same for you.”

“Who wants you to do the same for me? What do you think you are?” Yuqian raised her head proudly. “Hou Longtao, you betrayed me; you’re on your own.”

“Yuqian…”

“Slap,” Yuqian’s face flushed, and she swung her arm and gave Hou Longtao another ‘ear slap,’ then picked up her high heels and ran out of the suite. She didn’t even take the elevator but ran down the stairs and got into her Cherokee.

As soon as Yuqian got into the car, the angry expression on her face suddenly disappeared. She lay on the steering wheel, her shoulders trembling violently, and a sobbing sound kept coming from her nose…(Golden Carp is not a thing in the pond) [Implies that Yuqian is too good for Hou Longtao]