Chapter 99 - Liquid Punishment

"Okay when you phrase it like that it sounds terrible...." 

"You know for someone I consider my right-hand man for analytical and information sourcing, you acted like a child. If I liked you any less I would've shot you out of spite."  Xi Long held his head in his hand as he gazed at Zhuang Wei. There was a wry smile on his face as he half-heartedly insulted him. He wasn't even the least bit mad because he could understand his reasoning but it didn't mean that it was okay. If the roles were switched he wouldn't have chosen a fake attack as a means for information. The best way to see through someone's disguise is to first analyze them and bait them out with time. Though that method was only used on individuals with high intelligence and had a blank history. Almost everyone who touched foot in this country had some past they could dredge up, those who didn't were a danger to them. Zhuang Wei had probably tried looking up 'Valentina' and became wary after finding nothing. Hence the prank earlier today. 

"So what....did she complain to you?"

Taking a sip of his alcohol Xi Long looked back at Zhuang Wei with a blank stare. Opening his mouth he said a quick "no" before turning his attention to the television. 

"I mean she is pretty...but she's not a simple woman. I mean you have to find it sketchy that she carries around a poison needle in her hat?!"

Rolling his eyes he responded, "and what if the food was poisoned? She was prepared and we should be more prepared for that. Just cause its quiet now doesn't mean we should let our guards slip."

"But its Old Zhu's place....but you're right." Zhuang Wei's face dropped as he realized that they had indeed been too lax on security. Their lives weren't super in danger right now as they hid a lot of their influence but its better to be cautious. 

"I'm guessing you also don't know her real name?" 

"I'll find out one day, no rush." 

A shiver ran through Zhuang Wei's body. "Ugh who are you?? Is this the ruthless CEO I know or a lovesick man??" 

Xi Long just sent a quick glare back as response. There was nothing shameless about being soft for someone, a man owned up to his feeling. It was only pathetic when they stooped to low extremes to either make the woman their's or when they let it affect their entire life. Neither of which was happening to him. 

"So what is it about her?" 

There was a slight pause before Xi Long could formulate his thoughts. "Everything," was all he could say as his eyes turned stormy. 

"You do realize I'm not a mind reader XiXi, give me some details." 

"She's nothing like the women I've met before, we met in a dark alley for one. I thought she was my target and before I could grab her I saw a roundhouse kick coming my way. The second her ankle was in my grasp and her face came to view I was struck. There was fire in her eyes and the skill she used to fight me off was intriguing. It started merely because she caught my interest but the more I spend time with her the more it becomes something more. I have no concreate answer on what I'm feeling, you know I've never loved anyone before but I'm determined to see it through." 

"Do you think she feels the same?"

A smirk graced his face as flashes of their memories raced through his head. Even if she hadn't said anything there was no way she didn't feel anything. He could tell that something was holding back but that something was unknown to him. They've known each other for less than a month so it wasn't surprising she kept him in the dark. "I'd like to think so.."

There was a silent pause as they both let the words sink in. Zhuang Wei just stared at Xi Long's face before downing the rest of his drink. The silence wasn't awkward, it was a common occurance for Xi Long to sit silently while he chattered away. It never bothered him cause he knew that although Xi Long was more of the silent type he was always listening.

"Alright....I just have one more question..." An evil smile adorned his face as he prepped to ask Xi Long the 'question.' You could clearly see the gears turning in his head as his eyes held a gossipy glint. "How far have you gone with her?" 

The instant he said that he felt a pillow slam against his face. A warm heat flooded against his nose as the rest of him froze in shock. 

"Bro what the f.u.c.k was that for?!?!" 

"Stupid questions get stupid answers." Xi Long held in his laughter as he gazed at Wei. There was a red patch on their face and their hair had become ruffled. It was the perfect image of a disturbed bird. 

"Its a fair question!" 

"Its been less than 2 weeks since we've met relax, you know I don't run like that." 

"You don't 'run' with women regularly either so I'm here for any anomolies." 

Xi Long put his glass back down and leaned forward putting a hand on Wei's shoulder. With a completely serious face he said, "you need me to hook you up with someone? Sounds like someone needs to get laid, no worries it a natural urge anyways." 

"YOU?!" 

It didn't take much time before he felt a pillow attack him in revenge. Letting out his laughter he let Wei hit him aggressively with a couch pillow.

"Why are you getting so mad, is it cause I hit the truth on the nail??" Adding fuel to the fire his laughter increased as the redness in Zhuang Wei's increased as well. The strength of the hits became stronger as Xi Long defended against them casually. They didn't actually hurt him but it was definitely ther.a.p.eutic for Zhuang Wei.  

"Alright chill chill, I'll stop....for now." 

"You're such a d**k...I need a drink. You staying over tonight?"  Huffing Zhuang Wei opened some buttons on his shirt to let air in. 

"Mhm." Xi Long just let out a small noise for acknowledgement. Zhuang Wei's face was turned so he did not see the crafty glint in his eyes. He got up and went into the spare bedroom he used and switched into more comfortable clothes. The suit was nice but he wanted some loungewear to relax in now. He left without saying anything but he knew Zhuang Wei would've went to do the same thing. It took only a couple minutes for him to change and freshen up before he made his way back to the living room. As he expected Wei was sitting there in sweats and a shirt refilling both of their glasses. 

"Here's your drink....why does your face look like that?" At this point Zhuang Wei had started to feel something was wrong. When Xi Long had entered the room it was normal but he noticed a weird look in his eyes. There were practically horns on his head as he could feel that he was in danger. 

"No reason, let's have a drinking contest."

"What?? No you no I can't beat you." 

Xi Long downed his drink before sitting down and refilling it. "No worries....I insist." 

"You said you didn't mind?!?" 

"Did you really think I'd let you off with no revenge? I never let myself suffer any losses. Drink up, we have a long night ahead of us."