When Qing Chen put the last folder on the done pile, he breathed out a heavy breath. Finally done for the day, he whispered in his mind and leaned against the huge backrest of his seat. He closed his eyes and thought if this was how his father ran the company. No wonder he was always working.
He lifted his lids a little and saw the sleeping form of Feng Xuan on the couch. She looked like she was in deep sleep. He glanced on the clock and found that it was almost nine in the evening and they have not had any dinner yet.
He flicked his lamp light off and walked towards the couch. He sat down next to her and slid a hand on the curve of her hip. Feng Xuan stirred. He squeezed gently and she opened her eyes.
She looked around first, taking in the darkness. "Did you finish everything?"
"Yeah," he offered her a smile. "Do you want to get some dinner?"
"I thought you're going to show me something?"
"Yeah, that's where we'll have our dinner if you want."
She got up and freshened up in the bathroom. Her top got a little wrinkled. Was it possible that she looked even more tired after that nap? She splashed water on her face until she was satisfied with the level of alertness in her eyes.
"Let's go."
While walking towards the elevator, she clutched Qing Chen's arm to her chest and leaned her head on his shoulder. With the heels on, they were almost the same height. "Am I going to see some bloody faces tonight?"
"No," he answered. "If there are no accidents." They stepped in the elevator and Qing Chen pressed the U-button that was only accessible in two elevators—his and the VIPs.
"So what am I going to see?"
"Women," he sighed. "Lots of them."
The elevator doors closed.
**
Inside the elevator Feng Xuan was looking around the golden walls. "Just how far below are we going?" she asked after a few seconds.
Qing Chen smiled and tugged her on his side. "You're impatient."
Just then, the elevator doors opened and Feng Xuan saw the short hallway. "We're still in the hotel?"
"Yes, we are."
They stepped out and her eyes explored the granite accents and off-white walls. Fake plants were in huge golden vases. There was no one else in the hallway aside from the two of them and the men that were standing guard in front of the red door.
She unintentionally grasped on Qing Chen's sleeve. "I think I've seen this door in my nightmares."
"No, you've seen it in a movie. Trust me, you'll be the scariest thing inside that room."
The men by the door let them in at first it was just darkness as her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit area. It was a common room, much like a restaurant. There were waitresses carrying trays and people were engaged in lively conversations.
"This seems fairly normal," she said. Everything looked normal, there were booths that lined the sides and the middle of the room. Heavy fabric wallpaper was glued to the wall and it looked like a vintage saloon with its dark colors and warm vibe.
But the one thing that she noticed that was NOT normal were the women in skimpy clothes. It was as if they were symbolizing men's fantasy of s.e.xy waitresses. It was something that you would possibly only see during halloween. The majority of the customers were men.
"Are they safe here?" she asked and Qing Chen passed her a thick menu and they were ushered on one of the more private booths up on the raised platform on the left side.
Qing Chen looked at their waitress. "Has anyone touched you inappropriately tonight?"
"No, Mr. Qing," the waitress answered with what looked like a genuine smile. "Thank you for asking."
He turned to Feng Xuan. "See?"
The waitress excused herself and Feng Xuan leaned over and whispered. "Are you sure no one commanded her to answer that way?"
Qing Chen shook his head and opened his menu. "Wuming and I killed Mr. Zhang for this reason. So the members of this club will know not to touch the girls in any lewd manner. If they want that kind of thing they can do that in another place."
Feng Xuan's lips jutted out in an expression that she could not believe that it was really happening.
"So, dinner?"
"Will you order for me?" she asked Qing Chen as she stared at the thick menu. It was as if every dish possible was at the pages.
While waiting for their order, Qing Chen had oriented Feng Xuan on what was The Kingsman's Club was all about. He described it like it was a sanctuary for old rich men to splurge their riches on.
"Why did you order so much?" she asked him when the waitress placed a huge plate in front of her with pork ribs. It smelled heavenly and made her stomach grumble. There were cups of rice and an array of side dishes.
"Eat like you're a king and as if it's your last day," he said. "It's the motto of this restaurant."
No wonder most of the people here had round bellies. "Are we staying long here?"
"Up to you." He passed her a cup. "Please, eat already."
Qing Chen ate with gusto and it rubbed on her. Little by little they finished everything. But it was Feng Xuan's stomach that gave up first. She sat closer to Qing Chen in the U-shaped seat.
"On the weekend, I will make a feast for you," she said. It was nice to see Qing Chen eating a lot. He must be really tired.
She grew even fuller just watching him eat his fill. When he was done, he lightly burped and he rubbed a hand on his stomach. Feng Xuan leaned over him and rewarded him with a kiss.