Chapter Eight: The Butterfly

Watching the door slowly open, Qin Mengxue finally felt reassured, letting out a long breath of relief; it seemed her convenient fiancé had not deceived her after all—tonight, she truly had a place to stay.

Stepping inside, Qin Mengxue gracefully slipped off her high heels, entering further. Yet as she reached the grand hall, even her composure faltered. She stood frozen, almost petrified, her mind overwhelmed by a single word: opulence.

The villa’s exterior had been fresh, minimalist, and elegantly petite, but inside, the style shifted entirely—almost as if two designers had worked on the same house. The four corners were adorned with pillars of white marble; the surrounding walls were built of emerald stone bricks, dozens of golden roses blossoming lustrously across their surface. Crimson silk curtains were gathered and draped discreetly, black marble paved the floors, a splendid crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, a pure black glass and fragrant wood table stood nearby, imported calfskin sofas beckoned, intricate carved bookshelves lined the walls, famous paintings filled every space, and blue-and-white porcelain was everywhere—arranged with deliberate care. Every inch of the villa declared, in bold strokes, what true luxury meant. For a fleeting moment, Qin Mengxue felt as though she’d wandered into a palace.

She had seen and experienced grand settings, visited many mansions, but this villa struck her with a shock unlike any before. What kind of flamboyant person would choose such a house? Her curiosity about her convenient fiancé grew.

It’s said that when a woman grows curious about a man, it’s the beginning of her downfall. Would Qin Mengxue truly succumb?

No longer able to linger in admiration, she paced through the villa, seeking further details. Yet as her exploration deepened, her brows knit together; something was missing here. Beneath the extravagance, a subtle discord gnawed at her.

Try as she might, she couldn’t pinpoint the source of this unease. Wearily, she sank into the sofa to ponder.

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening startled her back from her thoughts. “Who’s here? Didn’t that bastard say he wouldn’t return tonight?” she muttered, hastily rising and heading for the entrance.

Arriving at the doorway, she was momentarily taken aback—not by the image she’d conjured of her fiancé, but by the sight of a cleaning lady in uniform, holding tools and staring in surprise at the high heels by the door.

Noticing Qin Mengxue’s presence, the lady looked up, meeting the gaze of an impossibly beautiful young woman in professional attire, who regarded her with curiosity.

“You are?” Qin Mengxue broke the awkward silence.

“I’m the cleaning staff from Hongyang Property Management. Miss, are you the owner of this villa?” The woman replied respectfully; anyone living here must be wealthy—regardless of age or gender, not someone she could afford to offend.

“Oh… I suppose so. I’m the owner’s fiancée. Does your staff regularly clean here?” Qin Mengxue mused aloud; she was, after all, the fiancé of that bastard, so she might as well be considered the villa’s mistress.

“Yes, this villa has been owned for seven or eight years, but it’s never been used. Every year, a man calls and pays the property and cleaning fees, so we come weekly to tidy up,” the cleaning lady answered honestly.

Seven or eight years, unused? Qin Mengxue was startled, but she continued, “Auntie, you needn’t trouble yourself anymore. My fiancé will be home soon; if he hasn’t paid this year’s cleaning fee, I’ll cover it. From now on, we’ll handle the house ourselves.”

“It’s such a large villa—are you sure you can manage?” The cleaning lady glanced doubtfully at the delicate young woman before her.

“Don’t worry, Auntie. I’m not as pampered as I look. Since I’m here, I’ll take care of such matters myself.” Sensing the woman’s skepticism, Qin Mengxue explained.

“All right, miss. If you need anything, just call the property office and ask for me,” the cleaning lady conceded, half-believing, and departed.

After seeing her off, Qin Mengxue massaged her increasingly fatigued temples, but through their conversation, she finally understood the source of her disquiet.

The villa was exquisitely luxurious, but it lacked something essential: vitality. Such a grand house, left uninhabited for years—no matter how sumptuous, it felt lifeless, as though shrouded in stagnation.

What on earth did her convenient husband do? Why leave such a vast property unused?

For a long while, she puzzled but could not fathom it, nor did she wish to call anyone for answers. Sighing, she shook her head, “Never mind, I’ll tidy up a bit and rest. Here I am, troubled, while that bastard is out whoring—what does he even look like?”

With such thoughts, Qin Mengxue felt increasingly pitiful: not only was her engagement beyond her control, she lacked the courage to rein in her cheating fiancé.

The more she dwelled on it, the more aggrieved and angry she became. Pouting, she snorted, “Let whoever wants to clean do it—I’m going to bed. Why should I do anything for that bastard?”

She strode upstairs to choose a bedroom. Though the villa had only two stories, it boasted a small pool, a modest gym, a sauna, four bedrooms—every facility one could wish for. Qin Mengxue selected a relatively understated bedroom and settled in.

The soft bed and comfortable pillow brought a wave of happiness; her whole body relaxed. Reflecting on the past two days, it felt as though she had lived two centuries—last night, learning of her fiancé and losing sleep; today, mistaking her fiancé, uncovering news about Yang Da’s bidding, being tricked by her father and barred from home—one vexation after another. She truly was exhausted.

“Perhaps having a man, having someone to rely on, would feel comforting…” A bold thought flashed through her mind.

But recalling her fiancé’s flippant tone on the phone and his current activities, Qin Mengxue grew angry again. Rely on her convenient, cheating fiancé? Never!

She rolled over, ready to sleep away her troubles, when a sudden idea struck. She jumped up, hurried downstairs to the electronic lock’s control panel.

Staring at the password modification option, she tapped it with her elegant fingers, entered the new code, and, reading the confirmation of success, her beautiful face bloomed with a mischievous smile.

“Since you won’t come home, I’ll make sure you can’t get in when you do!”

At that moment, Xue Tian’ai was utterly unaware of Qin Mengxue’s cunning move. Unaware that he’d been set up, he lounged lazily on a roomy sofa, idly playing with the newly acquired Ocean Tear, yet his eyes were fixed intently on Hongjie, who sat opposite him, smiling. Calmly, he asked, “Are you sure you want me to promise this?”

The auction had long since ended, and Xue Tian’ai and Wes had been ushered backstage by Black Night’s staff due to their previous wager.

He’d expected the owner of Black Night to receive them, but instead, it was the host, Hongjie, who greeted them.

Hongjie smiled alluringly, her hands wandering boldly toward Xue Tian’ai’s thigh. “What’s wrong? Don’t trust what your Hongjie says?”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, just that it feels…” Xue Tian’ai ignored her wandering hands.

“Feels too simple?” Sensing no rejection, Hongjie’s hands grew even bolder.

“Rest assured, I’ve relayed exactly what Black Night’s owner said. I really like you now—how could I deceive you? Would you like to test just how much I like you?”

“If that’s truly the case, I can do it. Test? How will you test?” Xue Tian’ai raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll test your length, you’ll test my depth, and so we’ll know how much I like you.” With that, Hongjie wrapped herself around him like an octopus, sitting in his lap and wriggling as she continued, “I don’t want the Ocean Tear you bought for your wife—just give me your stick. How about it? I’m still a virgin—you won’t lose out.”

“Cough, cough, perhaps I should step outside and give you two some space…” Wes coughed awkwardly, watching the pair embrace.

“Forget it, Hongjie, I believe you. But let’s leave the testing for next time—I need to get home to my wife. Testing depth and length can wait.” Xue Tian’ai, exerting great self-restraint, scooped Hongjie from his lap in a princess carry, gently setting her on the sofa.

Hongjie’s face soured at being refused again, casting a reproachful glance at Wes as if rebuking him, then turned back to Xue Tian’ai, “If you didn’t have a fiancée, I’d think you were gay. I may not be a world-class beauty, but I am extraordinary—do I really have no appeal to you?”

Xue Tian’ai scratched his head, chuckling, “On the contrary, you’re very attractive. I’m just afraid that if we really do it, I’ll lose control. That activity is a huge time sink, and tonight I truly haven’t got the time. Next time—definitely next time!”

Hongjie’s mood improved at his words, though she still pouted, “You said it—you can’t go back on your word. Next time, not only will we do it, you’ll take off your mask for me! I’ll let you go this time. It’s so bitter, loving you all these years.”

“Absolutely. And finally, please tell Black Night’s owner I’ll fulfill the task he asked of me.”

“Mm, don’t worry, little brother, I’ll let him know. Just one last question—your fiancée, is she beautiful?”

“She is—very beautiful.”

“What country is she from?” Hongjie slyly tried to pry more.

“You’ve exceeded your question quota.” Xue Tian’ai pressed a finger to her fiery lips, smiling softly, then slid his finger down to pinch her chin, replying wickedly, “Next time, I’ll savor Hongjie’s flavor properly.” With a laugh, he called Wes to leave.

Watching Xue Tian’ai’s retreating figure, Hongjie’s face—already flush—turned bitter as she lay on the sofa. “Phantom Butterfly, Phantom Butterfly, do you know? There may not be a next time. I’m soon returning to Huaxia, after hiding all these years. I’ve finally been found. I truly wanted to give you my first time, since you’re the first man I ever loved. If fate allows, I hope we can meet again! If we do, I hope you can rescue me from that darkness!”

Under the dim lamp, two clear tears silently traced Hongjie’s cheeks. So many years of interactions—she’d clearly fallen for this mysterious Xue Tian’ai.

Though alluring and foxlike in temperament, Hongjie had remained impeccable despite years in the underworld; even her flirtations had been reserved for Xue Tian’ai alone. This time, she genuinely wished to leave herself with an indelible memory of love before departing.

But alas, fate had other plans. She’d been found and must return, while Xue Tian’ai had shown her no desire.

Perhaps this is love—but if only one side is present, it can only end as a tragic beauty.

Burying her head in the sofa, Hongjie could no longer hold back her tears and sobbed aloud.

Leaving Black Night’s clubhouse, Xue Tian’ai let out a long sigh. Refusing a beauty was not his intent—under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t mind a fling with Hongjie, this enchantress.

But tonight was special—his fiancée was still under a bounty, with no time or mood for such trysts. Steadying himself, he turned to Wes, “Wes, where are the Owls?”

“Boss, they should arrive soon. Owl texted to meet at the abandoned Mankaman dock. But Boss, don’t you find Black Night’s request for you to fulfill that promise rather odd?”

“Yes, it’s almost suspiciously simple. But let’s leave that for later—when the cart reaches the mountain, there’ll be a road; when the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten. Let’s head straight for the dock.”

Without delay, the two hurried to the dock. Upon arrival, everything was eerily quiet—vast and abandoned, only Xue Tian’ai and Wes stood there.

“Boss, what about Hongjie? I feel she really cares for you, and has treated us well at the auctions these years.” Wes chimed in, half teasing.

“Let things follow their course. But, Wes, what do you think love is?”

Gazing at the boundless sea, Xue Tian’ai asked softly.

“Boss, I don’t know—I’ve never loved anyone. I think when you truly fall for someone, you’ll understand.”

To love is to understand—but could he really love? Could he possess that kind of feeling? Though he’d been with countless women, it was always fleeting, mere release of primal desire. After years dancing through the world’s shadows, with bloodstained hands—could love ever be possible?

Love… is it real? Listening to the waves, Xue Tian’ai closed his eyes, sinking into contemplation.

Moments later, a tremendous roar swept over them, and Xue Tian’ai opened his eyes to see four AH-64 attack helicopters rapidly approaching from the horizon!

As they drew near, the air whipped by the rotors stirred Xue Tian’ai’s spirit.

Wes, excited, pointed and shouted, “Boss, they’re here!”

Yes, they were here—his organization, the Butterflies, had arrived in full flight.