Golden Scale [EN]: Chapter 75

True Dragon Teasing Phoenix (1)

The Welfare Plastics Factory was a key unit in Chaoyang District. The factory grounds were quite expansive, featuring three six-story residential buildings arranged in a triangle near the back gate. However, due to planned demolition for new construction, all the residents had moved out, and the original garden in the center of the buildings had been leveled. Cutting through this open space from the warehouse, exiting through the back door, would save them considerable time.

Situ Qingying wasn’t speeding within the factory area. After all, it was late, and the place was deserted. There was no need to show off. Six motorcycles in a tight formation rounded the building into the open space. With no streetlights, the headlights revealed three vans parked on the far side. Someone was leaning against the hood of the middle van, but the distance made it impossible to determine their gender.

It was nearly 12:30 AM, and the atmosphere was unsettling. Situ Qingying felt it too, but she tried to ignore it. Even if it were a zombie leaning against the car, it was none of her concern. Suddenly, all six headlights of the three vans blazed on, blindingly bright. In addition, each van had a powerful spotlight inside the cargo area, shining outwards through the windshield, creating a total of nine intense light sources.

The sudden glare caused temporary blindness, forcing several motorcyclists to halt. Experienced riders would have accelerated through, relying on their memory of the terrain, but these weren’t seasoned veterans. “Tyrannosaurus” [Situ Qingying’s godfather, a powerful figure] knew his goddaughter well and wouldn’t have put this novice in the lead unless the situation demanded it.

Situ Qingying was no stranger to ambushes. As soon as they stopped, she drew her weapon, regretting that she had only brought a wooden stick for what was supposed to be a simple shop-smashing mission. As the spotlights dimmed and the headlights adjusted to normal, the riders’ vision slowly returned. By the time they could see clearly, they were surrounded by twenty men wielding black batons, forming a tight circle.

“Sister Situ, aren’t you coming out of the car?” a man’s voice called from outside the circle. “Who are you?” Situ Qingying could see the man’s attire—a black tank top, black jeans, and black round-toe leather shoes—but his face remained obscured. “Heh heh,” the man stepped into the circle, “Get out. You can’t escape.” “Hou, Long, Tao,” she spat the three words out through gritted teeth, removing her helmet.

Hou Longtao didn’t reply, but produced a Zippo lighter, flicked it open with a “ding,” and struck it against his pants leg to light a cigarette. Situ Qingying knew that breaking out would be difficult. The car couldn’t gain speed, making her an easy target. If she did manage to accelerate, it would be even more dangerous. Hitting someone or being pulled off would likely result in serious injury or death.

“How is it? Have you thought it over? There’s no escape.” A sinister smile crept across Hou Longtao’s face. Situ Qingying despised his seemingly gentle but insidious demeanor. He even wore glasses, trying to appear cultured. She was reminded that her godfather also wore glasses. This was because once a person had a preconceived notion about someone else, all of their characteristics became flaws. “You motherfucker, what the hell do you want?”

“Uh uh uh,” Hou Longtao wagged his finger. “Such a beautiful girl shouldn’t use such language.” “Fuck you.” Situ Qingying leaped from the car, raising her stick to charge at him. She knew fighting was futile, but she refused to surrender. Falling into their hands would likely end badly. Besides, she loathed this man. Landing a blow would at least be a small victory.

Two lackeys immediately stepped in front of Hou Longtao. It was hardly necessary. Situ Qingying was already being restrained by her own men. “Sister Feng, don’t be impulsive.” “Sister Feng, fighting is pointless.” These thugs didn’t see Hou Longtao as some black-market legend. They were just foot soldiers and likely wouldn’t face severe consequences. Fighting would be suicidal.

“What are you doing!?” Situ Qingying struggled, her beautiful eyes wide with fury. “Let me go! Are you all tired of living!?” “Sister Feng, we can’t win by force.” The thugs hesitated to harm her, but they grabbed her arms, pinned her legs, and hugged her waist, trying to disarm her and prevent her from charging forward.

Hou Longtao watched the internal struggle with amusement. Due to their “struggle,” Situ Qingying was gradually turned away from him. He could see her profile. Suddenly, he noticed the guy hugging her waist from behind was repeatedly thrusting his hips forward, as if trying to feel the shape of her buttocks. He couldn’t believe the guy was taking advantage of the situation.

Hou Longtao was disgusted. He grabbed a baton from one of his men and pressed a button. “Crackling” sparks flew from the tip. It was an electric baton. He jumped behind the guy, grabbed the back of his neck, and dragged him away from Situ Qingying. Then, he shocked the guy’s back with the baton. With a “snap,” the kid’s feet left the ground, and his body slammed into the woman’s back. Amidst screams, both of them fell to the ground. The remaining four thugs stepped back, watching their comrade twitching, too frightened to beg for mercy. Situ Qingying got up, glaring at Hou Longtao. Seeing the electric baton, she decided against rash action. Moreover, she had felt Wang An’s [the thug’s name] indecent behavior, but she wasn’t grateful to Hou Longtao. Even without his intervention, she wouldn’t have let that kid get away with it. “What exactly is your purpose?”

“You’re asking me?” Hou Longtao looked down at her over his glasses. “You were going to smash my shop, right? But tonight is ‘East Star’s’ [a rival gang] counterattack day. I had an appointment. Only we can smash shops, you can’t.” “Are you even speaking human language!?” Situ Qingying didn’t understand. “Grandma is in your hands. Just kill me or cut me open, be quick about it, don’t be a coward.”

“Heh heh,” Hou Longtao chuckled. “How can you lead when you’re always talking about fighting, killing, and dying? Your brothers are unlucky to follow you. People need to know their limitations, their strength, and act accordingly. Knowing something is impossible and still doing it isn’t courage, it’s stupidity. Whether it’s brains or strength,” he tensed his muscles, “you can’t beat me. Why are you trying to steal my woman?”

“You…” Situ Qingying realized Hou Longtao wasn’t just “on official business.” Resolving personal issues was the real reason. Seeing his demeanor, he didn’t seem intent on killing her. She was calmer now. Although she didn’t understand his true motive, she could use his confidence to her advantage. “What are you bragging about? Relying on having more people and better weapons, and you dare say you’re stronger than me? What a joke.”

“Have you been watching too many martial arts movies? Having more people and better weapons proves I’m stronger than you. But I’m chivalrous. I’m reasonable. I’ll give you a chance. You and I, let’s compete. If you win, I’ll let you go. If I win, I’ll cripple you here.” “Okay.” Situ Qingying agreed immediately. In this situation, it was the best option. “I’ll fight you one-on-one. Whoever can’t get up loses.”

“Hahaha.” Hou Longtao saw the fire in her eyes. She really wanted to beat him up, and he found it amusing. “What are you laughing at?” “I only occasionally spank my woman’s ass, but that’s foreplay. I never hit women, especially pretty girls like you. I’d feel bad. If you want to fuck, I’m game. But fighting is out of the question.” “Hahaha…” “Hahaha…” His men joined in the laughter.

“Keep your mouth clean!” Situ Qingying’s face flushed with anger. “I didn’t say anything dirty. Your words are the curse words.” “Stop talking nonsense! If you’re scared, just say it. If you don’t have the guts, don’t act like a boss.” “Don’t provoke me. I hate that the most.” Hou Longtao walked to her motorcycle, gently touching the fuel tank as if admiring it. “VRSCAV-ROD [Harley-Davidson V-Rod model], a good bike, a 180mm rear tire, performance exceeds most road races.” “How do you know?”

“I’m interested in cars and motorcycles,” Hou Longtao circled the bike. “When I was studying in the United States, a classmate had a VRSCA. I liked it, but I couldn’t afford it. From the logo, I can see this bike was produced this year, Harley’s centennial masterpiece.” “Of course, my godfather gave it to me as a birthday gift.” Hearing someone talk about her hobby, Situ Qingying forgot her predicament.

“Classic, really classic, let’s race a lap.” “You and me?” “Yes, you ride your VRSCA.” “Hmph, 400CC [engine displacement] is hopeless.” “That’s my problem.” “You’re bound to lose.” Situ Qingying was confident because her bike was superior and because she had over five years of racing experience. “So arrogant? Dare to play for something bigger?” Hou Longtao handed her a cigarette and lit it.

“You…” Discovering that he shared her hobby, Situ Qingying still hated him, but not as intensely. Hou Longtao glanced at the thugs who hadn’t dared to move. Several of his men understood and escorted them further away, but within sight. Hou Longtao lowered his voice, “I’ll set the rules. If I win, for the next ten hours that I choose, you’re mine. Even if I want you to lick a dog’s asshole, you can’t refuse…”

“You motherfucker!” “I’m not finished yet,” Hou Longtao pushed her wrist away, avoiding a slap. “If you win, I’ll not only let your men go, but you can ask me to do anything, even slit my throat.” “Why should I believe you?” The reward was too tempting. Situ Qingying had already formulated her request.

“Do you have a choice? You know what you look like. My twenty men are all ex-military, in good shape. They could probably go two or three times in a row. If we fight, you’ll be beaten to death.” “Aren’t you afraid my godfather will come after you?” “If I was afraid of him, would you be smashing my shop?” “Hmm…” Situ Qingying stared at him. She hadn’t considered losing. “What are you betting?”

“I don’t want to rape you. I want you to willingly sleep with me.” “If you lose, will you keep your promise?” “My word is my bond. We’re people with roots and backgrounds, not petty thieves who run. Credibility is important. Suggesting a race is like letting you go. If you ran, I couldn’t find you. If I didn’t trust you…”

“Okay!” Situ Qingying interrupted, extending her hand. “A gentleman’s word…” “Is his bond.” Hou Longtao shook her hand. “How are we racing?” “The destination is chosen,” Hou Longtao waved, and a man brought a Beijing traffic map. “‘Five Ring Emerald Garden’ [a luxury residential complex]. I’ll give you five minutes to study the map.” “No need, I know how to get there. I’ve been there twice with my godfather, but it’s unfinished.”

“That’s right, don’t worry. I won ‘Emerald Garden’s’ 15% stake. I’ve arranged things. The security guards won’t stop you. The route is unlimited. Find the closest and easiest route. Enter from the west gate, and whoever reaches the front door of the central building first wins. Because I chose the destination, I’ll give you a one-minute head start.” “No need.” Situ Qingying was confident. “Don’t be angry. It’s late, there will be inspections. If you get caught speeding, I win.”

“You face the same problem, unless…” “I didn’t arrange the police. Your godfather has people in the police force, and they’ll find out. After you get off the ‘Five Ring,’ there will be an inspection at the second intersection.” “Since it’s a race, both cars should start together.” “Have you forgotten our agreement? The rules are mine. If you admit defeat, I’ll take you to a hotel.”

“Hmph, then start the timer.” Situ Qingying got on the bike, put on her helmet, twisted her braid, kicked open the stand, and the VRSCA roared. Hou Longtao walked to the back of the middle “Jinbei” [a Chinese van brand] van and drove out his Lamborghini. “How much time is left?” “Twelve seconds.” “Okay.” Hou Longtao closed the window and slammed the accelerator…

Before the main road, Situ Qingying didn’t dare speed. Getting stopped would mean a ten or twenty-minute delay, ending the race. Even with “haste makes waste” in mind, she drove at 80 kilometers per hour. On the Fifth Ring Road, she accelerated, the speedometer needle almost exceeding the limit.

Situ Qingying felt the actual speed was slower than the speedometer showed, but dismissed it as psychological, perhaps due to her desire to win. After exiting the “Fifth Ring,” she slowed down, accelerating again after passing the inspection at the second intersection. Arriving at Emerald Garden, the gate was open, and no security guards stopped her. The European-style iron gate closed behind her. If she had eyes in the back of her head, she would have realized she had already lost. Emerald Garden was being developed by “Evergreen.” The outer circle was six fourteen-story mid-range apartments, unfinished. In the middle was a twenty-one-story “I”-shaped high-end apartment, mostly completed. The sold rooms and lobby were decorated. This week, Situ Qingying had accompanied “Tyrannosaurus” to see the house twice. This was the central building Hou Longtao mentioned.

Situ Qingying parked in front of the building and didn’t see Hou Longtao. She loosened her braid, took off her helmet, and smiled. But before her smile could fully form, the streetlights and lobby lights turned on. The lobby’s frosted glass doors opened, and a man appeared, “Sister Situ, you’re fast. I just showered and didn’t dry my hair.”

“…” Situ Qingying’s eyes widened, her heart shouting, “This is impossible,” but she was speechless. “According to the agreement, it’s past one o’clock. I’ll give you a break and count it as one o’clock sharp. For the next ten hours, you’re my female slave. Drive the car up here.” Hou Longtao stood on the steps, pointing to the disabled access, and ordered sternly. He looked at her dumbfounded expression, overjoyed, but showed no emotion.

Situ Qingying got back on the bike and drove to the lobby entrance. She didn’t think about running. She was in shock and hadn’t considered her response. Hou Longtao walked to her side, grabbed her waist, tilted his head, and was about to kiss her. “You mother…” Situ Qingying instinctively raised her fist, but he clamped her wrists. She only cared about competing and didn’t continue cursing.

Despite her exercise, she couldn’t compete with his strength. Hou Longtao twisted her arms behind her back, leaped onto the back seat, and whispered in her ear, “Do you want to go back on your word? Get out, and I’ll let you go, but Sister Feng’s reputation will be ruined.”

“I…” Situ Qingying bit her lip. “Hou Longtao, after ten hours, I will kill you.” Her voice trembled, but was firm. “That depends on your ability.” Hou Longtao released her, put his left hand on her thigh, and his right hand on her abdomen, gently rotating his finger on her navel. “Drive the car in.”

Where the security desk should have been, there was a black leather sofa and a six-meter square white wool carpet. Hou Longtao ordered her to park the car in the center, facing the carpet. He jumped down, closed the glass door, took a briefcase from behind the sofa, and took out two white silk ribbons. “Turn off the engine, grab the handlebars, flatten your upper body, and put your feet on the ground.”

“What are you going to do?” “Sister Situ, I’ve been polite. I don’t like violence. If you want to know, do as I say. If you keep asking and yelling, I’ll lose patience, and you’ll suffer.” Hou Longtao’s tone turned gloomy, his face cold.

“Hmph!” Situ Qingying knew what he was going to do. The question was instinct, not resistance. “Accepting defeat” was ingrained in her, even if the bet was her body. She propped up the bike and positioned herself as requested, legs straight, butt high, chest suspended. The VRSCA’s low body and the higher rear seat didn’t obstruct her.

“As long as you listen, it’ll be good for everyone.” Hou Longtao tied her hands to the handlebars. “It won’t hurt if you don’t struggle.” “How did you win?” Situ Qingying couldn’t figure it out. “Good magicians never reveal their tricks.” “Let me lose clearly.”

“What’s the rush? I’ll tell you at dawn.” Hou Longtao took scissors from the bag, walked to the front, squatted down, stared into her eyes, stroked her face. “I didn’t see you clearly on the mountain. You’re outstanding.” “You must tell me after dawn.” “Chacha,” Hou Longtao opened and closed the scissors. “What did I say? You don’t care about my warning.”

“Don’t mess around.” Any woman would be afraid. Situ Qingying pretended to be tough, but her heart pounded, and she looked nervous. “Hmph.” Hou Longtao circled the bike, appreciating her figure. She had curves in the right places, especially her butt, tight in leather pants, round and firm. “If you’re scared, say it. If you don’t have the guts, don’t act like a boss.”

“Are you ‘using my own methods to retaliate against me’?” Situ Qingying tried to stay calm. “If you have the guts, poke me a few times.” “Hehehe,” Hou Longtao laughed. “Stabbing you will ruin your face? You figured out the plan? But I will poke you thousands of times, but not with scissors.”

“Just do whatever you want, hurry up. If you’re so great, then fuck me until I can’t walk. I can take it.” Situ Qingying didn’t want to waste words. The sooner this ended, the better. “You have no brains, do you? We agreed on ten hours. I won’t fuck you within ten hours. You can retreat completely. If I fuck you one minute less, your homosexual self-esteem will suffer one minute less. You should distract me. Why are you provoking me?”

“You…” Situ Qingying felt he made sense, but then thought again. Since he said that, he must have a plan. Whatever she did, he wouldn’t change his strategy. She felt played. She couldn’t lose in words. “Can you last for ten hours? What do you think you are?”

“Ten hours? I can do twenty hours too.” “I’ll say it again, what do you think you are?” “Do you believe in God? I do. I am God, hahaha.” Hou Longtao turned to her left leg and squatted down. “Ah!” Situ Qingying screamed, feeling a chill, knowing the scissors had touched her skin…(Golden scales are not things in a pond) [idiom meaning someone with great potential is being held back by their circumstances]