Something Beautiful and Wicked

Luo Wanting and Shi Ailin had spent two days driving, not stopping at any other hotels or inns on the way. They slept in the car and took turns driving, as they avoided anyone following them after pissing off the Prince of Pleasure.      

They made an enemy that night, but Shi Ailin felt like that man wasn't the type of person to dispatch a thorough hunt. He seemed to be the one that attempts before growing wildly bored or distracted by the delights of what most nights offer him.      

Regardless, Luo Wanting gave her some insight on the Dark Forces, and he mentioned that the Prince of Pleasure, and his domain, was the least threatening of them, which made her shudder. Just whom had her parents been dealing with? Was that why the fled Shanghai? Had they had a chance since the beginning?      

They've finally stopped in Zhuzhou, circling the city, and Luo Wanting had been asking questions around and gathering information. There was no doubt that they've both crossed through here. But where did they stop?     

Luo Wanting went to look for a lead on what the Dark Forces are doing within the Underworld, and he forbade her to come with him. Whatever he didn't want her to see, she knew it wasn't just to protect her; it was because it may be too unfathomable for her to comprehend. Although she didn't want him to go alone, he assured her it'd be a quick in-and-out in a meeting place he managed to secure.      

At their hotel, Shi Ailin did their laundry and prepared food until Luo Wanting returned tight-lipped with a bruised face and scraped knuckles.      

Shi Ailin stalked toward him, taking his face in her hand, observing him. "What happened?" she asked him.      

Luo Wanting stretched his fingers. "I needed answers, and they weren't willing to speak."      

"Who are 'they'?"     

"A couple of gang members I found on the street."      

Shi Ailin sighed. "Don't go around instigating fights," she scolded as she went to get him some ointment for his face. She then gestured him to sit on the bed as she applied the medicine on his face. He winced.      

"I'll try not to," he replied.      

Shi Ailin stepped away from him, placing her hands on her hips, tapping her foot on the ground. "I don't want you to put yourself in danger. If we keep it up like this, then maybe it's not worth finding out the truth."      

"You don't really mean that," he said.      

She pursed her lips. "I don't know," she said with stinging eyes. "Maybe it's not worth endangering our lives to find bones. Yenni said we could return anytime. We could give up anytime."      

Luo Wanting shook his head. "Ai," he spoke gently. "This has become more than your parents now. While the Black Society diminishes, the Dark Forces only grow more in power, and eventually, Shi Yen will be their target."      

Her eyes widened. "Why?"     

"She's the Empress," he answered. "They would want to make a lesson us. They would slaughter her and the rest, just to prove how much power they hold. Just to show how much 'better' they are."      

"With no remorse?" she asked.      

"None," he said.      

"Why?"     

He shrugged. "Because they want to. There is no other clear reason other than their vicious nature."      

She nearly stumbled. "What do they want?"     

"Power. Money. A Title."      

"And Yenni has all of that."      

"We all have that, and more," Luo Wanting corrected her.      

Shi Ailin placed a palm over her stomach as she sat next to him. "So," she spoke, "this is just about us anymore, but all of us."     

"Yes," he whispered. "And I have many people to protect, including you, Ai. I don't like this any less than you do. I would be more than happy to go home and give up if it meant we were safe, but we're not, whether we're here or in Shanghai."     

Shi Ailin released a deep breath. "What do we do now?     

"The guys I ran into confessed about where their boss might be. They didn't mention his identity, though. We can see him tonight."      

"Tonight?"     

"Yes," he said. "And don't worry. I don't think there would be any frisky things going on like the last one…at least, I hope."      

Shi Ailin blushed. She remembered how they indulged themselves that night. She had never seen Luo Wanting so ravenous in their pleasure. She wondered. Had he been holding back the entire time they were together? And why? The memories hovered between them, and Luo Wanting's throat bobbed.      

Shi Ailin then disrupted their thoughts, "I'll change quickly."      

"Good idea," he replied hastily.      

Shi Ailin then went to change in a dress she purchased earlier that morning. It wasn't anything extravagant, but it was beautiful, and it fit her like a glove. Luo Wanting, on the other hand, changed into the same suit from the night they visited the Underground. He wore a different tie, matching her beige dress. Shi Ailin dabbed some concealer over his bruised, pretty face. They gathered their things again, tossing it to the back of the car, driving off, not knowing what this night would entail.      

Dozens of well-dress security guards flanked the outside of the hall, and Luo Wanting and Shi Ailin were let in as guests by invitation.      

She wrapped and an arm around his as they stepped in the low-lit hall of an opera theatre, finding two seats to sit in. "Why are we here?"     

"We're here to auction."      

Her eyes widened. "Are you kidding me? Why are we here to spend money?"      

Luo Wanting gave her a sideways glance, telling her to read the room. Shi Ailin sighed. She then realized that most of the guests were dressed elegantly; their wrists and necks were adorned with watches, jewels, and necklaces.      

It was eerily quiet, save for the shuffling footsteps and hushed whispers. It was a private auction. How Luo Wanting managed to get an invitation, she didn't know. She'd squeeze the answers from him. Later.