Chapter 33 — Did I Offend Him?

Since Gong Xiurong had given his word, naturally, he had to fulfill Mu Nanjin’s request.

However, he performed the strip dance behind a white gauze screen. His tall, slim, muscular figure moved in shadow and light, just enough to make Mu Nanjin nearly spray wine out of her nose and yell, “That’s hot!”

By the end, Gong Xiurong even extended one foot out from behind the gauze.

Mu Nanjin’s eyes sparkled like stars.

Then a long, fur-covered leg emerged into view.

At that moment, Mu Nanjin’s entire being went numb.

She silently swore she would never again watch a man perform a strip dance in this lifetime.

Even in the afternoon, after disembarking the boat, her mind was still haunted by the image of that… hairy leg.

She glared coldly at Gong Xiurong. “You did that on purpose.”

Gong Xiurong chuckled, knowing exactly what she meant. “I merely wanted to remind Miss Mu that not everything is as beautiful as you imagine it to be.”

Mu Nanjin had no desire to talk to him anymore. She snatched the reins from his hand, swung onto her horse, and galloped away.

Watching her retreating figure, Gong Xiurong smiled faintly. “What an interesting girl. I wonder if we will ever meet again.”

On her way back, Mu Nanjin wore a dark expression the entire time. It was not until she returned to the Mu residence and caught sight of something shining brilliantly in the courtyard that her face finally softened a little.

Shielding her eyes, she turned to the steward. “Uncle Xu, what is that?”

The old steward grinned from ear to ear. “Miss, that is your horse, Heitan.”

“Heitan…” Mu Nanjin frowned.

At the moment, Heitan was not black at all. Instead, he gleamed gold from head to hoof, dazzlingly bright.

Heitan strutted into the shade, neighed proudly, then raised his forelegs and neighed again.

He leaped high, landing with another loud neigh, posing like a seasoned model and striking one majestic, domineering stance after another for Mu Nanjin’s viewing pleasure.

Finally, bursting with excitement, Heitan trotted in circles around her, as if saying,“Handsome, right? Am I handsome? Say I am! Compliment me!”

Mu Nanjin could not help but laugh as she patted his head. “So you really like this flashy golden armor, huh?”

Heitan bit at her sleeve, tugging gently to signal her to get on his back.

Then he proudly carried her out of the Mu residence and paraded through the busiest streets of the capital.

Pedestrians were immediately drawn to Heitan’s golden armor, some admiring his powerful build and gleaming beauty, others staring greedily at his lavish equipment.

After strutting through the crowded streets and soaking in countless stares, Heitan, thoroughly pleased with himself, brought Mu Nanjin back home.

Just in time to meet the servants Gong Xiurong had sent with the property deeds and ownership papers for Xiaoqing Tower and the other two brothels.

Since Gong Xiurong had already left the Great Qian, Mu Nanjin did not need to manage them personally. The establishments had their own madams to handle the daily affairs; all she needed to do was sit back and collect the profits.

Half a month of vacation flew by in the blink of an eye.

When Mu Nanjin returned to the Jinyiwei Command Office to resume duty, she had not even stepped into the left courtyard before Deng Xingchao came striding toward her with a thunderous expression. He glared at her several times in passing.

【What is wrong with Old Deng glaring at me like that? Did I offend him somehow?】

【That cannot be right. I have been on vacation at home for half a month. When would I have offended him?】

【Maybe his wife scolded him at home, and now he is taking it out on any woman he sees?】

【There he goes glaring again. Glaring will not help you, you know. What, you think glaring at me will stop your wife from beating you?】

【Still glaring? Careful, or I will tell your wife you have been drinking with courtesans at the brothel. Let us see if you are not punished to kneel on a spiked board then!】

“Pfft.”

Someone nearby could not hold back a laugh.

Deng Xingchao snapped, unable to bear it any longer. “Mu Nanjin!”

Mu Nanjin reacted instantly, straightening up and greeting him respectfully. “Greetings, Lord Deng.”

“Follow me to the right courtyard.”

With that, Deng Xingchao turned on his heel and strode toward the Right Court.