Chapter Forty-Three: The Personal Female Bodyguard

"Young Master Rui?" Wu Zhengyao listened as his secretary finished the report on Yutou Village, frowning ever so slightly, and asked with a hint of surprise, "Who is this 'Young Master Rui'?"

"He's Wen Chengfu's grandson."

Wu Zhengyao pondered for a moment before saying, "Old Wen's grandson? Why would he leave the city and go all the way to Yutou Village?"

The secretary gave a bitter smile. "I heard he brought people over to see the so-called 'Cave of the King of Ghosts.' Didn't Yutou Village turn that cave into a makeshift tourist spot? I think it's very likely that’s what led to the conflict with the villagers."

"Nonsense!" Wu Zhengyao scowled, slamming his hand on the desk.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "Who from the county has gone down there?"

"I heard County Head Wu and Director Wang personally led a team to assist Young Master Rui," the secretary replied hesitantly, telling the truth.

"Our Taoyuan County is chaotic enough as it is. Now more outsiders are coming to stir things up," Wu Zhengyao said, his gaze steely as he rose from his chair. In a deep voice, he declared, "Since everyone’s gone, we might as well join the excitement."

The secretary was taken aback, not expecting Wu Zhengyao to go to Yutou Village himself.

"Alright, I’ll have someone prepare the car right away."

Wu Zhengyao decided to head to Yutou Village without informing anyone.

…

Young Master Rui sat at the center of Yutou Village on an old wooden chair, his eyes fixed on the busy scene before him, lost in thought.

He asked curiously, "Are you all repairing the village together?"

Beside him stood a woman with heavy smoky makeup, who cast a look of obvious distaste at the shabby surroundings. What was there to see in this filthy countryside? She couldn’t fathom why Young Master Rui was still lingering here. She had been reluctant to leave the city for this poor, remote county, but for the sake of appearances, she couldn’t refuse.

"That’s right, we’re fixing up the village," Aunt Yang answered cheerfully, bringing over some drinking water in disposable cups. The cups were bought at Secretary Xiue’s instruction for visitors; the villagers themselves used bowls.

She didn’t know who this group of young people was, but Secretary Xiue had told her to take good care of them—let them come and go as they pleased, make sure they weren’t hungry or thirsty, and not to worry about anything else.

Hou Qiwen, still battered and bruised from his earlier beating, could now drink water on his own. He was perplexed. The villagers of Yutou Village used to be as meek as sheep—what had made them so bold all of a sudden? Had they really managed to drive away the thugs from Qiangyuan Company?

Hou Qiwen couldn’t figure it out, and neither could Young Master Rui. Based on his understanding of Liu Meijia, that venomous woman, she should have had no trouble dealing with a few unruly villagers.

"If that’s the case, your village must be quite well-off now," Young Master Rui remarked, his eyes glinting with mischief, as if constantly scheming.

Aunt Yang replied with a smile, "We used to be poor—bullied by those bastards from Qiangyuan Company. But things are different now."

Young Master Rui grinned, "And what’s changed? How are things different?"

"The difference is, our village head has come back," Aunt Yang said, then turned with a smile and walked away.

"Village head?"

Young Master Rui was bewildered. Wasn’t that beautiful woman Zhang Xiue the village party secretary? When did a village head enter the picture?

"Give me your phone," he said, reaching out to the quieter girl behind him, who contrasted sharply with the smoky-makeup woman.

The girl took a brand-new iPhone from her shoulder bag and handed it to Young Master Rui with a respectful gesture.

"Xiaoyu, why don’t you just come work for me? I can guarantee you’ll earn ten times what you make as a bodyguard. Anything you want, I’ll buy it for you. How about it?" Young Master Rui looked at her, his lips curling in an ambiguous smile.

Xiaoyu wasn’t like the smoky-makeup woman, who was just another conquest. She was a professional, a ‘personal bodyguard’ hired at a high price from outside.

"Thirty million a year, and I’m yours—genuine, no strings attached," Xiaoyu cooed, her face flashing with a flirtatious smile.

She always played hard-to-get with Young Master Rui—little gestures like a hand on the shoulder were acceptable, but nothing further. She was a bodyguard, there to provide her skills, not her body.

Thirty million? A year?

Young Master Rui rolled his eyes inwardly. If he had that kind of money, he could have any woman he wanted—why bother with her?

Whatever he thought, he dared not say aloud. This female bodyguard had been recommended by his elders; when she first arrived, even his two most formidable fighters couldn’t subdue her together.

Otherwise, why would Young Master Rui willingly pay half a million a year to a woman?

Now, the most formidable person at his side wasn’t one of those martial arts-trained bodyguards with a reputation in the city’s underground, but this woman named Xiaoyu.

Of course, few knew the inside story.

"Worth every penny," Xiaoyu laughed, throwing him a coquettish glance and licking her lips with her tongue.

She was certainly alluring, but the price was a bit steep.

The smoky-makeup woman’s name was Wang Jiaqi, a student at the City Vocational Health College, just twenty by Chinese reckoning, which explained her youthful appearance. She was at the age for fun and mischief, and with her good looks, she was popular. Later, through acquaintances, she met Young Master Rui and became a frequent companion.

Being with Young Master Rui gave her the chance to enjoy the privileges of his status both on and off campus and to meet other young men from powerful families. She had no particular feelings for him—it was all about the fun, the free meals and drinks, and occasionally picking up some spending money. If she wanted cosmetics, clothes, or handbags, there was always a sucker to pay. Meanwhile, she kept a devoted boyfriend at school in the background.

When she heard Xiaoyu’s ‘thirty million’ offer, Wang Jiaqi’s eyes turned green with envy. She cursed inwardly—so much for being high-class, this little minx really dared to ask for it. She herself had gotten so little out of sticking with Young Master Rui for so long.

"Alright, I’ll think it over," Young Master Rui said, turning away and pretending to make a call.

Xiaoyu’s lips curled into a faint smile and she narrowed her eyes. No money, still putting on airs—such a lightweight was hardly worth her time.

In their line of work, talk of feelings was meaningless unless she truly fancied a man. Otherwise, his infatuation meant nothing. A ‘bodyguard’ earned her living by risking her life. If she took a liking to someone, the price would be negotiated separately. Young Master Rui, however, wasn’t her type. If he were, perhaps personal protection would come with additional benefits.

A brief interlude.

Young Master Rui dialed Liu Meijia’s number. Even his elders had repeatedly warned him about this ‘Scorpion Lady’—to keep his distance and avoid crossing paths with her. If confrontation was unavoidable, he must strike with deadly force.

Such was Liu Meijia’s infamous reputation for venom.