[Mainland Chinese Drama 2015] Cruel Romance 錦繡緣•華麗冒險 - Chapter 6 (5) translated!

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锦绣缘 ~ Cruel Romance ~ Chapter 4 (5)Translated by tumbleintofantasy

Although she was humiliated by Ming Zhu then and chased out, Jin Xiu had never truly blamed her. Just as how she explained to Xiang Ying Dong, Ming Zhu was chased out at only twelve years old and thrown onto the streets, she had faced so much turmoil and difficulties, paying a huge price for what she achieved today, so what would outsiders know? She had the right and reason for hating the Rong family, she was not to be blamed.

Jin Xiu didn’t go over and greet her, in fact she tried to hide from her among the crowds. Feeling a little awkward, she didn’t know what kind of position or attitude she should use to counter Ming Zhu’s coldness. Since obviously, Ming Zhu did not want to see her, much less admit to their relationship.

As for Xiang Han Chuan, Xiang Ying Dong and Zuo Zhen, accompanied the French consul, Duke Ferdinand and his wife in. The guests in attendance took the initiative and parted on both sides, leaving a walkway for them to pass through, clapping and cheering as they did.

The reputable figures of Shanghai, certainly had the ability to move hearts. Xiang Han Chuan’s nobility and steadiness, Xiang Ying Dong’s suaveness and Zuo Zhen’s looks and calmness, their radiance and charm complemented each other.

Jin Xiu hid among the crowds and secretly smiled, looking at how Ying Shao shone brightly as he mingled among the guests, her heart brimmed with joy. Today was the first time that she saw Ying Shao’s big brother Xiang Han Chuan, after constantly hearing Ying Shao and Zuo Zhen bring him up, now that she had seen him, she finally knew what magnanimity and grace meant. His skin tone was slightly dark, with features similar to Ying Shao’s, naturally he was good looking, but his presence shone from within and in terms of appearances, he was not as eye-catching as Ying Shao. But even though the bright and enthralling Ming Zhu stood beside him, she was not able to detract attention from him.

The banquet began on a very solemn note, but it livened up later on. Jin Xiu didn’t really know anyone, Ying Shao and Zuo Zhen were busy entertaining guests, so she felt a little bored. Today was a banquet for the upper crust, many men had brought along their partners, so those that were really here to dance and find entertainment were few and far between.

Holding a plate of food, she walked towards the flower hall outside.

Not far away a group of women sat on the long sofa that was meant for resting, draped in jewels, and were at that moment comparing whose clothes’ were the latest, whose ring was the best quality.

“Mrs Wang, this ring of yours, isn’t it from Bao Lin Tang on Xia Fei road?” a slim woman, grasped onto her hand not letting it go. “I saw it there last month, it was so expensive.”

Mrs Wang smiled modestly, “For sure, didn’t like it much after buying it, things like these, it’s all about novelty.” It seemed to be true, for on both her hands, there were about five to six rings in all.

The other woman sighed enviously, “Ah, Boss Wang is so generous, you’re so lucky, Mrs Wang.”

Someone at the side interrupted, “Didn’t you all see that diamond necklace that Yin Ming Zhu had on? That was a masterpiece that was auctioned off during the British auction, without eighty to a hundred thousand in the bank, don’t even think about it.”

“Ah!” a sudden wave of surprised sighs. “Really? In this world, it really helps if a woman is beautiful.” “What right does she have to wear that?” “Precisely, this kind of woman has no shame, after grabbing hold onto a rich man, she wringing him dry with all her might.” “Sometimes, that kind of shameful status, makes it easier to throw aside shame to ask for money, what she wears or owns, are more glamorous and ostentatious that what we proper wives have.”

Sometime added oil to fire as she made the conclusion, “No matter how you put it, someone who has sold herself before, cannot be brought into the open. No matter how beautiful or seductive, isn’t she still kept by Mr Xiang outside, who said that Mr Xiang will marry her? After playing her for two years and getting sick of her, wouldn’t him simply kick her aside?”

Jin Xiu clutched on tightly to the plate in anger.

What are they saying! Just because Ming Zhu is beautiful and wearing a necklace more expensive that what they own, they can simply toss such unbridled humiliation upon her? In front of Ming Zhu, they probably won’t even dare to say a word, smiling oh so sweetly, but behind her back, spitting out such ugly words, does it make them feel better to do so?

“True, a woman who can’t be brought into the open, has been taken by Mr Xiang to grace such a grand event, and even giving her such an expensive jewellery, spoiling her immensely, ah, truly, no wonder it leaves others jealous.” Jin Xiu held her anger in, coldly interrupting. Other people might not want to get involved and pretend to not have heard, but she couldn’t, Ming Zhu was family.

“What nonsense are you saying?” Mrs Wang couldn’t restrain herself and blew up, “Who’s jealous? Our conscience is clear, marrying into the family openly, jealous of someone who is just a mistress and can’t marry into the family?”

“Oh, really?” Jin Xiu smiled coldly, “Don’t know who that “someone” is? There are so many young girls in Shanghai would like to carry shoes for this “someone” but not even be eligible to: if some people were ten times younger, ten times prettier, they might qualify to go over and compete.”

The group of women starting scolding, “Where did this tramp come from, look at how foxy she is, must be same as that woman, as if she is any better?”

“She doesn’t seem familiar, must be working at Bai Le Men serving men.” “Worry about yourself, so cheap, still coming out to speak for others.”

Jin Xiu snorted, “Is Bai Le Men such a taboo? But then again, your own husbands visit Bai Le Men daily for entertainment, you wives are ignored at home, that’s quite pitiful too. If you have the ability, tie your men up well or it’s just sour grapes, taking your unhappiness out of Yin Ming Zhu.” She used to be a peaceful timid person, in crowds she felt uncomfortable even speaking out loudly. But for some reason, faced with such a situation, her anger overwhelmed her, what respect and upbringing, if she didn’t speak up for Ming Zhu, she didn’t deserve to be called Rong Jin Xiu!

The women opposite burst into an angry commotion.

Jin Xiu lifted her head with abandon, put down the plate and slowly walked away. These women looked proper on the surface but were completely rotten on the inside, it was time that someone taught them a lesson.

But the moment she lifted up the thick silk curtains, Jin Xiu got a shock.

Yin Ming Zhu was standing outside, holding a cup of wine, with a smile that was barely there, as though she had heard everything, yet as though she didn’t.

“Ming Zhu…” Jin Xiu breathed with worry, not knowing what to say.

“I heard from Zuo Zhen, you’re working here.” Ming Zhu smiled modestly, “Are you used to it?”

Jin Xiu blushed uncontrollably, “Where is there to be used this, it’s not bad that I can earn a living to feed myself, I don’t have the right to be so picky.”Ming Zhu nodded, “You’re right, that’s how I survived then.”

Jin Xiu was quiet for a while, and words suddenly burst from her, “Since it’s over, let’s forget about the past!”

“Forget?” Ming Zhu coldly raised her brow, “I would like to forget too but someone keeps reminding me, reminding me of how desolate and miserable I was then.” That meant, she heard the ruckus just now? So her attitude was somewhat warmer?

“They remind me, to sink into desperation selling my smiles and body that long ago past, as for you, Rong Jin Xiu, you remind me of how I brought my ill mother along with me when we were chased out, desperate and impoverished.” Ming Zhu looked at her, “How can I forget?” Jin Xiu was stunned. Her appearance, to Ming Zhu, was just a reminder of her painful past.

“A lot of people look down on me.” Jin Xiu laughed, “If I were to hold it against them, I would be dead from exhaustion already. Those men, even in their dreams they drool over my body, but they look down upon me deep in their bones. As for those women, on the surface they envy me, but in their hearts they hate me so much that their teeth itch. This world is as disgusting as it is.”

Jin Xiu understood how she felt. “But still it’s a must to live on.” She said, which woman, does not wish to grow up smoothly, after leaving the warmth of her parents, to be cherished by her husband and build a blissful and complete family, and then eventually die of old age? Who would want to tumble into red dust, betray her dignity and feelings, for the sake of her three meals to sacrifice her body and struggle, to be laughed at by anyone?

To be unwilling to freeze or die of hunger, to be unwilling to beg on the streets, to be unwilling to be bullied, was it wrong?

“I heard from Zuo Zhen, that you were on the streets for a while and suffered.” Ming Zhu sipped the red wine, “He wanted me to keep you, but I was thinking, it would be better to be apart.”

Jin Xiu opened her mouth embarrassed, as though she was about to say something, then thought the better of it.

“We don’t have the fate to be sisters.” Ming Zhu sighed softly, “To be honest, I shouldn’t blame the wrongdoings of the Rong family on you, you were young then, what did you know? Just that I’ve sworn that in this lifetime to not have anything to do with the Rong family.” Her tone was soft and she looked in a daze, “Back then, when mother and I were chased out, besides the twenty dollars that Uncle Tian gave us, we had nothing of value on us.”

“We endured much hardship travelling from Zhenjiang to Shanghai, initially planning to rely on a distant uncle, who knew that their entire family had left for Guangdong to do business, and had already left for a year. Without a place to stay, food to eat, clothes to wear, mother was so sick that she was on the verge of dying and vomited bloody every day. I didn’t understand myself, why didn’t I jump into Huangpu River then?

“Just for enough food to eat, I’ve begged, stolen, swindled, almost done everything. Fought with a group of beggars, so that we could sleep under the bridge, eaten rancid rice from the hotel’s trash, for the sake of earning money to cure my mother, worked for the laundry store owner and was almost raped by him.”

“When mother died, she was only skin and bones, her sores had burst and flies were buzzing around her……”

Ming Zhu could no longer continue, choking on her words. Continuing only after a while, “So, everything today was exchanged with my blood and tears. I can’t generously share it with someone from the Rong family. When I was struggling to live in the cold and hunger, what were you all doing? You were warm in that huge house, drinking tea and chatting. Now, when you finally think of me, I should smile and welcome you? Why don’t you treat the Rong Ming Zhu who was chased out as dead? My surname is no longer Rong, what relationship do I have with you?”

Jin Xiu descended into silence, Ming Zhu was her only family left, but she hated the name and this blood link. Jin Xiu couldn’t blame her, such a pitiful past, such an unlucky fate, why would she not hate?

“All these are in the past.” Jin Xiu said, “At least you’re successful now and doing well. Just treat it as a nightmare, now that you’re awake, everything is fine now.”

Ming Zhu shook her head. “Use your innocent brain to think Jin Xiu. As a woman, take a wrong step and you’ll be beyond redemption, can’t turn back anymore. You think I’m the one in Xiang Han Chuan’s heart? You think today’s wealth can last the years? He definitely has money and doesn’t spending some on me, but likewise, he doesn’t mind spending on other women too. To him, I’m not the first and I won’t be the last, meeting only once every eight to ten days, like how concubines had to wait for the emperor’s attention in the past, it’s no different from that!”

“Is it so?” Jin Xiu tried to explain, “But everyone says, he’s very nice to you.”

“They?” Ming Zhu smiled, full of sarcasm, “What do they understand? You listen well, Jin Xiu, to people like them, women like us are just like toys, easily bought with money, they can get as many as they want. You want to conquer their heart, that’s wishful thinking.”

Jin Xiu froze. Such similar words, were said by Lili in Bai Le Men before. Was their fate all the same? Even someone as beautiful as Ming Zhu could not avoid it? Then Ying Shao….Ying Shao….Ming Zhu sighed, “You like Xiang Ying Dong, right?”

“Ah?” Jin Xiu hurriedly tried to hide,”This, Ying Shao? How can it be, what are you thinking.”

“Don’t lie.” Ming Zhu looked at her, “Just now your eyes were stuck onto him, wherever he went, your eyes followed. I’ve been in these pleasure quarters for ten years, devoted men, jilted women, what kind of happy or sad endings have I not seen before, you still have a long way to go, you can’t deceive me.”

Jin Xiu’s face turned red, like a thief who had been apprehended on the spot, looking sideways, “Then, please promise me, not to tell him, and not let anyone know too.”

Ming Zhu smiled dryly, “I can’t be bothered to spread rumours. That’s right, Zuo Zhen doesn’t know?” That’s not possible, the kind of person Zuo Zhen is, even a speck of sand wouldn’t escape him, how could he not know?”

“Er Ye is aware of it.” Jin Xiu informed her despondently, “He knew form the start. Arranging for me to be in Bai Le Men, get close to Ying Shao, that was all with his help. I am just too stupid, it’s been so long, Ying Shao hasn’t even looked at me once.”

“Is it?” Ming Zhu was startled,”I must have been wrong then. He doesn’t interfere when it doesn’t concern him, when he brought you up time and again, I thought, he had fallen for you. Like this, he was just helping Ying Shao on the side.”

“Of course not!” Jin Xiu couldn’t help but raise her voice, “That’s impossible, Er Ye wouldn’t fall for me, someone like him, is difficult to fathom, what he’s thinking, who can tell?”

“Oh, really?” raised her eyes and looked around, at a distance in the crowd in beige, valiant Zuo Zhen was socializing with the people around, not sure what he said but the surrounding guests roared with laughter. Perhaps, she was thinking too much, amidst the hustle and bustle, Zuo Zhen’s back, seemed to give off an indiscernible sense of loneliness.

“Perhaps we don’t understand him well enough.” Ming Zhu, deep in thought, stated.

But did Jin Xiu understand herself?

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锦绣缘 ~ Cruel Romance ~ Chapter 5 (1)Translated by tumbleintofantasy

“Er Ye, this matter is too strange, we should send someone to investigate.” Shao Hui said to Zuo Zhen who was sitting comfortably, “Our previous secret dealings have been unsuccessful, problems always cropping up in the details, luckily we managed to handle them in time, so it has just been near misses. But it’s ridiculous this time, when the goods reached Peking, it actually alerted the Peking commissioner and police department, and were pursued by so many troops, forcibly confiscating our goods. Logically, unless they received a tip off, if not they would take this so seriously.”

“Didn’t I already inform you to change cars at the last minute?” Zuo Zhen used one hand to support his forehead, his gaze falling towards the paper and pen on the table, Shao Hui was his right hand man, the second most important person in Qing Gang, fighting beside him with his life all these years, instead of subordinate, it would be more appropriate to call him his brother.

With regards to Qing Gang’s secret dealings, all along Zuo Zhen and Shao Hui have been personally attending to them, not easily letting them fall into the hands of others. As for the above board businesses, such as the docks, warehouses and casinos, most of the tasks were handed over to Shi Hao, Uncle Jian, Ma Zi Liu and the others. Shi Hao took care of the ships, Uncle Jian the accounts, Ma Zi Liu the people, only some particularly huge deals, Zuo Zhen saw to them personally.

Previous years, the amount the smuggled was huge, from gold, jewels, steel, kerosene, wood, even firearms, all had their involvement, whether by trains or ships, they all had their secret arrangements, except for opium, they dealt in all goods that were difficult to come by. On one hand it was because of the situation, the government was lax, and did not impose the laws stringently, on the other hand it was because Xiang Han Chuan had invested in Hua Long Bank and needed huge amounts of funds for backing.

In recent years, Chang San Pier’s business was getting better day by day, Hua Long Bank had also expanded smoothly, operating legally, and the risks for smuggling had increased, Qing Gang had already cut down on the quantity smuggled, they also stopped using the railway and focused on smuggling by sea, their resources were also more focused, the risk of something going wrong had been reduced to the lowest.

Shao Hui was the expert, with him managing this, there should not have been any problems. But news got out about consecutive batches of goods, recently this batch which was sent to Peking for a trade had drawn people from the commissioner’s department, the fact that someone was making trouble was undeniable. But, the enemy was in the shadows and he was in the light, his every move was in the hands of the enemy, it meant that there was something wrong with his underlings.

Shao Hui saw Zuo Zhen’s expression and felt guilty. “Sorry Er Ye, I’ve been too negligent this time. If not for your orders to change cars at the last minute, I’m afraid, the goods and our brothers would be in trouble. But how did you know that things would go wrong?”

Zuo Zhen gently replied, “You’re not to be blamed. I haven’t been careful enough lately, perhaps too used to peacefulness, and have forgotten the smell of blood. If I didn’t guess wrongly, our opponent this time, had planned this for a long time and with much attention to detail, he also had dealings with the police and the underworld. They have already made their move, and we have only just realized.”

Shao Hui expression tightened. If not for Er Ye’s diligence, constant wariness, he feared that they would have already suffered huge losses, and fallen into enemy hands. “If it’s like this, right now we’re on the defense.”

“This month, stop all secret dealings, start investigating from all those involved in the past few trades, from the beginning till the end, don’t miss out on any single person.” Zuo Zhen closed the accounts and files on the table, through his calm voice, it revealed his determination.

“Yes, Er Ye.” Hui straightened up, “I will investigate thoroughly!”

Zuo Zhen stood up, “Do this for me, I’ll make a trip to Bai Le Men. On Ying Dong’s side, it hasn’t been peaceful of late, I’ll go and take a look.”

Shao Hui was surprised, “There are problems on Ying Dong’s side? Is it a coincidence?”

Zuo Zhen let out a trace of a smile, “Coincidence, what do you think?”

Shao Hui sighed. They had barely enjoyed a few days of peace, now it seemed that another wave of wind and rain were about to mess things up. He could already hear the thunder in the distance. Looking at Zuo Zhen’s back, he couldn’t help but feel relieved, no matter how severe the matter, Er Ye’s carefulness, stability and calmness would always save the day. Sometimes he really suspected, under Er Ye’s calm and gentle appearance, what was the extent of his hidden schemes and responsibility?

Walking out from Ying Dong’s place, down the stairs into the dance hall, Zuo Zhen couldn’t help but stop his gaze sweeping through the entire area. Where had Jin Xiu gone? Since the last time he saw her being bullied, every time when he visited Bai Le Men, he would instinctively look out for her before leaving. The good thing was after the last incident, no one dared to make trouble again.

Tang Hai stopped along with him, baffled as he asked, “What’s wrong Er Ye?”

Zuo Zhen said to himself, “She didn’t come today?”

“Who?” Tang Hai was completely at a loss, only reacting after a while, “Er Ye must be talking about Miss Jin Xiu, just now I just saw her drinking with guests. With just a blink of an eye, she disappeared?”

“Forget it, let’s go.” Zuo Zhen turned and walked out the main door, only to see Jin Xiu at the entrance. She was hugging the lamppost, what was she up to?

“Jin Xiu?” Zuo Zhen tried calling her from behind. Seeing that there was no reacting, he reached out and turned her around, “What happened to you?”

“Wa,” with that sound, she sprayed his entire body with filth. The alcohol stench piercing his senses. Zuo Zhen could not believe, she was drunk? And vomited on him?

Tang Hai rushed up frazzled, took out a handkerchief to wipe Zuo Zhen down, but the dripping vomit, piercing stench almost caused him to be sick too, what a waste of this expensive blazer! Miss Jin Xiu was also too much, of all places to vomit, she had to do it on Er Ye, look what happened now!

“No need.” Zuo Zhen shrugged him off, tore off the blazer, with a rip, the buttons flew off onto the ground and threw it on the ground, “This can’t be worn anymore.”

Tang Hai looked at that unlucky piece of clothing with regret, when he came to his senses, he saw that Zuo Zhen had already carried Jin Xiu to the car.

“Er Ye, where to first? Lion Grove?” Tang Hai asked carefully on the car.

Zuo Zhen mused, Jin Xiu was in such a drunk state, who would take care of her if she went back? “Let’s go to Ning Yuan Dao.” He had a place in Ning Yuan Dao. When he was not at Chang San Pier, he would often spend the night there.

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He never expected that diminutive Jin Xiu would be so heavy when drunk. Zuo Zhen found it funny as he carried her up the stairs, behind him, Auntie Wang was flabbergasted as she asked Tang Hai, “This…where did this lady come from?” Er Ye had never taken any woman home to spend the night before, even if he wanted one, he would do it outside. What’s with him today?”

Tang Hai replied frustrated, “Don’t ask so much, hurry go and help before you get scolded.”

Auntie Wang nagged as she closed the door, “What happen, how much did she drink?” Look at that lady, obviously drunk, already like mud, what did he bring her back for?

“Please Auntie Wang, hurry help Er Ye find clean clothes, bathing water, brew a pot of hangover tea.” Tang Hai could not help but cover his ears. He really did not understand how such a picky, strict person like Er Ye would come to hire such a slow and naggy person like Auntie Wang.

“Oh, so disgusting…” Jin Xiu struggled in Zuo Zhen’s embrace, dry heaving several times, earlier she seemed to have even vomited bile, vomiting the whole drive back, even if she wanted to now, there was probably nothing left in her. Zuo Zhen creased his forehead, placed her on the bed and turned on the lamp.

How much did she drink? Her face was frighteningly white, forehead covered in sweat, as though she was in pain. Did she not know her limits? To think she fearlessly challenged the customers with alcohol.

Zuo Zhen took a hot towel, gently wiping her face and unbuttoning her collar. While taking off her shoes, he swore on his conscience, he never had any improper thoughts. But when those slender feet were in his hands, he could not stop that tingling feeling come over him.

“Er Ye!” Thankfully Auntie Wang came at the right time, “Aiya, let me handle such menial tasks, hurry go rest. Your bath and clothes have already been prepared, have you eaten, would you like some supper…”

“I know.” Zuo Zhen interrupted, “I’ll be next door, treat Jin Xiu with care, call for me if you need help.”

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锦绣缘 ~ Cruel Romance ~ Chapter 5 (2)Translated by tumbleintofantasy

It was late.

Zuo Zhen heard two knocks on his door. He had always been a light sleeper and immediately got up, “Who’s there?”

At the door he heard Auntie Wang’s awkward reply, “Er Ye, that lady….”

Zuo Zhen opened the door, rubbing his face with exhaustion, “What’s wrong with her?”

Auntie Wang replied softly, “She keeps crying.”

“What?” Zuo Zhen was stunned. Jin Xiu was terrible, behaving drunkenly.

But, when he pushed open Jin Xiu’s door, he realized that was no the choice. She had not even awoken, drunk before consciousness, Auntie Wang had already wiped her down and changed her into loose fitting clothes, it looked to be Auntie Wang’s own clothing. She was on her side all curled up, eyes closed, talking discernibly in her sleep, he could not understand what she was saying. Drops of tears fell from within her lashes, flowing down her pale face. Her lashes were long and curled like two small fans, forming two light shadows under her eyes.

“She’s quite pitiful, I can’t seem to wake her.” Auntie Wang looked on worried, “Is she having a nightmare?”

Zuo Zhen leaned over and puckered his brow. “You didn’t cook the hangover tea for her to drink?”

Auntie Wang replied, “I did, but she couldn’t keep it down.”

“I have some hangover pills in the cabinet, go take them over.” Zuo Zhen lifted up Jin Xiu’s head, realizing that her hair was damp.

Exactly what had caused her to cry even in her dreams? Zuo Zhen silently pondered, what did she dream of, her deceased parents, hometown miles away, Ming Zhu who was unwilling to take her in, customers who had humiliated her, or the person she admired, Xiang Ying Dong?

After feeding her medicine, Zuo Zhen left Jin Xiu lying on the bed and said to Auntie Wang, “You may leave, I’ll accompany her here.”

“Oh,” Auntie Wang agreed as she left, worriedly taking a glance back before she walked out the door.

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The night was as dark as ink, the light dimly emanating.

Zuo Zhen sat on the bed, his thoughts a mess. Lying beside him, Jin Xiu fidgeted, laying her hand on his leg. Under the light, her hand was snow white and smooth. Lightly glowing.

“What’s wrong, you feel unwell?” Zuo Zhen sighed as he leaned over to ask.

Jin Xiu opened her eyes but her gaze couldn’t seem to focus, looking blankly into space. That jade like hand, moved from Zuo Zhen’s thigh to his waist, like a shivering cat, shifting herself into his arms. Perhaps feeling the warmth of his chest, her other hand felt its way into his top, holding on to his firm shoulders.

“Jin Xiu?” Zuo Zhen hoarsely called out her name, his breath quickening.

Jin Xiu, with her eyes slightly closed, lied in his arms. Zuo Zhen heard her low voice, “You don’t like me, why…am I not beautiful enough? Am I not popular enough…or, I don’t know how to get on your good side?” Her tone was gentle yet bewitching, along with her delicate breathing.

Zuo Zhen’s eyes dilated, Jin Xiu was…seducing him? On his bed? The maddening thing was, he was actually reacting!

Jin Xiu was in his arms, her breath carrying on the faint smell of liquor, a light fresh scent, her cheeks were flushed, eyes barely open, leaning against his body, unbelievably tender, her unbuttoned collar exposed the smooth skin under her neck, and the sides of her red undergarments to Zuo Zhen’s eyes.

Zuo Zhen felt slightly dizzy. The four corners of the stillness, was filled with the atmosphere of temptation. Jin Xiu’s indecipherable murmurings, restless writhing, was like an electric current coursing through him, causing him to tremble. The waves of desire flooded over him, as Zuo Zhen clenched his teeth.

The blood in his body were torrents surging through him, roaring in his ears, his strength and calmness, mind and consciousness collapsed in this whirlpool of desire. He turned over, and pressed Jin Xiu under him, breathlessly seizing her tenderness and softness.

“Please don’t…Ying Shao…” Jin Xiu murmured in the midst of her deep breathing.

Zuo Zhen froze. He lifted up his head slowly, red in his eyes, beads of sweat rolling off his forehead. Just now…just now, whose name did Jin Xiu call out? The woman in his arms, actually called out for another man so clearly! He was shocked, in a state of disbelief as he looked at Jin Xiu’s pretty face, his heart sinking rapidly, dragging with it a burning pain in his chest.

He used all his determination to lift himself up, his breath still rising up in a frenzy.

He knew very well that Jin Xiu liked Ying Dong, and he was the one who hand delivered her into Bai Le Men, letting her endure humiliation and sell her smiles, in exchange for a chance to get closer to Ying Dong.What was wrong with him just now? What clouded him mind? All these years, he had many women but he didn’t remember any that could course him to lose control like that!

Zuo Zhen walked into the bathroom, turned on the cold water and drenched himself. He desperately needed this piercing cold, to calm his desire and anger. What left him even more indignant was that he could not seem to restrain is body or feelings. Just an ignorant brat from the streets, her heart completely void of his existence, how dare she have control over his mood?

Had she poisoned him, or was he under a spell, to obliterate what he was most proud of, his reason and calmness!

All along, to safeguard himself from betrayal, he was used to constantly taking precautions, even when in a deep sleep, or drunk, or the most indulgent moment, he was already protecting that last bit of alertness, never completely losing himself.

If Jin Xiu was the first chess piece his opponents had placed beside him, during that moment of weakness, he would have died more than ten times over.

But, but just thinking of how gentle and stubborn she was, how fragile and prideful, thinking how helpless and lost she looked standing int he rain, her nervousness and shyness during her first dance at Bai Le Men, recalling the intriguing tranquility as she played the flute under the moonlit sky, how weak and embarrassed she was when she was grabbed by the hair and forced to drink, thinking of her pitiful tears, and her irresistible allure as she laid in his arms…Zuo Zhen suddenly closed his eyes.

Even if he was unwilling to admit, even if he tried his best to deny, he could not hide throbbing of his heart.

Even if he was possessed, it was now too late to back out.

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New stills released!Credit idarklight

[sugarplum892]

锦绣缘 ~ Cruel Romance ~ Chapter 5 (3)Translated by tumbleintofantasyMorning.
Jin Xiu awoke with a headache, feeling giddy and nauseous. So this was what a hangover felt like?
What place is this, so foreign, there was even more attention to detail than at Lion Grove. Looking down, “Oh!” Jin Xiu could not help but let out a gasp of shock.
Yesterday…what happened yesterday? Whose clothes were these? In her panic, she remembered she got drunk and got on a familiar car, like a messed up dream, she dreamt of her parents and Ming Zhu, no matter how she called out, how she chased, she couldn’t seem to catch up with them, they got further and further away, and she was abandoned in a dark deserted wasteland. In the midst of that fear and sadness, someone took her into his warm arms…who was that? It felt so real in the dream, the certainty of it lingering on her fingertips, but, why did that person in her dream feel so familiar, just like…just like, Zuo Zhen?
“Impossible!” Jin Xiu jumped up from the bed, she must have remembered wrongly, why would she indecently dream of Er Ye coming to hug her, if that man was Ying Shao, at least there would have been good reason for that. No, she must had made a mistake, it wasn’t Zuo Zhen, it was Ying Shao.
“Ms Rong?” She heard someone calling her, the door was pushed open, a plump and friendly looking lady stood at the door, shocked to her barefooted standing, her clothes in a mess, Jin Xiu’s face full of surprise, “You’re…awake?”
Jin Xiu jumped back onto the bed, covering herself up with the blanket, “Yes…you…please what is this place?”
“You were drunk yesterday, no need to be shy, I was the one who helped you change.” The plump lady smiled as she walked in, “You were so drunk and tortured Er Ye the whole night.”
What? Jin Xiu turned red. It was Zuo Zhen who brought her back? Then was last night just a dream, or did something happen? Gosh, she swore, she would never drink again.
“I am the cleaning lady here, Auntie Wan, I’ve already washed and dried your clothes.” As she spoke, she placed the clothes on Jin Xiu’s bed, smiling so widely her face was red, she continued, “After changing and washing up, coming down for breakfast, Er Ye is waiting in the dining hall.”
Frazzled, Jin Xiu agreed. She was put into a state of unease with Auntie Wang’s meaningful smile and judging eyes. What did that smile mean?
Throwing the blanket aside, Jin Xiu leaned against the bed, looking for any possible clues. The good thing was that the bedspread was snow white, although crumpled but it was definitely clean. Jin Xiu let out a sigh of relief. Great, it was just a dream.
She couldn’t help but burst into laughter, what was she so nervous about? To think that Er Ye would really do something to her?
Washing up in a hurry, she went down the stairs. The dining table was already filled with porridge and side dishes, ham dumplings, a feast for the eyes. Zuo Zhen was sitting on a nearby sofa reading the papers, wrapped in a thick purple sweater, his hair still dripping with water.
“Er Ye, sorry.” Jin Xiu apologetically stood before him, “Auntie Wang told me that I caused trouble for you.”
Zuo Zhen just let out a “Wu” sound, without even raising his head replied, “It’s fine now just hurry eat up, I’ll be heading to the docks in a bit, and will send you back to Lion Grove on the way there.”
Jin Xiu was stunned, “Your voice sounds so nasal, caught a cold? If you’re not feeling well, there’s no need to send me, I can go back on my own……”
“I’m not that fragile.” Zuo Zhen interrupted her, “Hurry go and eat.”
It would be a surprise if he didn’t catch a cold, in November weather, taking four cold baths in a night, he almost died. He really had to hand it to Jin Xiu, in just a short time, she could cause him to be like this, if word got out, he probably wouldn’t be able to raise his head anymore. He definitely needed a woman tofind release today, if not he suspect with his desires unfulfilled, he would not have any appetite.
Really frustrating.

[Broseph]

Trailer looks amazing.  Looking forward to this.  Thanks for posting translations of the book.  I'm impressed!  

[Guest ororomunroe]

@sugarplum892‌, a new chapter translation has just been posted.

[sugarplum892]

锦绣缘 ~ Cruel Romance ~ Chapter 5 (4)Translated by tumbleintofantasy

Sometimes, changes come so fast. When no one had time to prepare, things had already happened.

On a night that was no different from others, Jin Xiu accompanied Manager Chan of a foreign firm, he had visited a few times and was considered a regular customer.

There was a commotion at the entrance of the dance hall, a big figure rushed in, half his body covered with fresh blood, his face drained of colour and covered with oil and sweat, hideously scary. Everyone scattered around to avoid him, Jin Xiu instinctively moved away and suddenly realized, wasn’t this Shi Hao?! What happened?

“Brother Hao!” Jin Xiu yelled, “What happened?”

Shi Hao crazied gaze landed upon Jin Xiu, he rushed over and grabbed her, “Where is Er Ye, he isn’t here?”

Jin Xiu was scared out of her wits. “Here here here, he is upstairs in the casino…Ah, Brother Hao!”

Shi Hao had already pushed her aside and rushed up the stairs. Bai Le Men’s security had already rushed out, worried that someone had come to make trouble, the moment they saw that it was Shi Hao, they were stunned, looked at each other, wondering how did Brother Hao get into such a state?

Jin Xiu knew something was up and ran up the stairs without hesitation.

The casino was filled with cigarette smoke, noisy and bustling, compared to this the dance hall downstairs seemed more civilized. Shi Hao spotted Zuo Zhen amidst the crowd, before he pushed his away over, he yelled “Er Ye, Er Ye!”

Zuo Zhen raised his head, seeing Shi Hao in such a state, his face sank, “Why are you panicking?”

Shi Hao rushed to his side, “Er Ye, something went wrong! Just, just now over there…”

Zuo Zhen furrowed his brow, “Even if the worst has happened, you have to catch your breath and speak.” He had been by his side for more than a year or two, he was still so edgy, panicking when in difficult situations, he couldn’t even speak clearly, only panting incoherently.

Shi Hao froze, “Yes, Er Ye.” He calmed himself down, “It’s like this, half an hour ago Ying Shao and Brother were attacked at the Wang Hai Lou church and our warehouse near the wharf respectively!”

“Any casualties?” Zuo Zhen straightened up in shock.

“Ying Shao is injured, his underlings injured and killed. Ma Zi Liu conveyed the news that Brother Hui was lost amidst all the fighting and his location is currently unknown.” Shi Hao said this all in one breath, is eyes blazing, “Er Ye, hurry give orders, which scumbag gang is sick of living, to dare to make trouble on our land, if we don’t kill them we’ve just been wasting time all these while.

He was still yelling agitatedly, while Zuo Zhen had already put down the tile in his had, rushing all the way out while ordering Tang Hai who was behind him, “Prepare the car, I’ll head directly to the warehouse by the harbour. Send word to the mansion to inform Mr Xiang about Ying Shao’s injuries. Immediately send backup and cars to follow Shi Hao and protect Ying Shao, take him to the hospital, if there is any delay, you’ll pay with your head. Besides this, send someone to inform Ma Zi Liu, immediately assemble manpower to seal off all roads near Wang Hai Lou (Ocean View)  Church, see if there are any that have slipped through the next, search carefully, if you find out any traces they have left behind, report back right away!” His tone was clear and calm, in moments he had given out suitable orders, he saw Jin Xiu in shock by the entrance, “What are you doing here?”

Jin Xiu blurted out, “Will Ying Shao be fine?”

Zuo Zhen dragged her out, “Hurry go back, is this a place for you to be at?”

It was only then that Jin Xiu realized, the strength of a man and woman was different as night and day. She wasn’t the kind of lady that was so weak even she couldn’t even fend against the wind, but under Zuo Zhen’s ironclad shoulders, she was like paper, completely without resistance.

Zuo Zhen dragged Jin Xiu all the way downstairs, saying loudly, “With me around, it wouldn’t be your turn to worry about Yin Shao!”

Jin Xiu hurriedly replied, “I’ll go too.”

Zuo Zhen left her behind and walked out, “If you dare to follow me today, don’t even dream of taking one step into Bai Le Men in future.”

Outside dangers abound, every step was treacherous, was she so eagerly to send herself to die?

The moment he walked out the door, Zuo Zhen heard Jin Xiu shouting from behind, “Er Ye! Please be careful!” He turned back, saw her leaning against the door, both eyes filled with worry, as though afraid that he wouldn’t be returning.

Just with her glance, Zuo Zhen’s heart filled with a strange sense of warmth. Was Jin Xiu worried about him? So her happiness and sadness was not just for Xiang Ying Dong.

[Guest spicystrawberry]

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[Guest spicystrawberry]

[Guest spicystrawberry]

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[Guest spicystrawberry]

[Guest spicystrawberry]

[Guest spicystrawberry]

[Guest spicystrawberry]

[Guest spicystrawberry]

LOL !! Very niceeee!  

[Guest spicystrawberry]

New images! I'm really looking forward and I hope 5 episodes per week x))











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[Guest spicystrawberry]

Here some gifs   credits doesn't belong to me. 

[sugarplum892]

@spicystrawberry wow! thanks for sharing them! This drama is coming out next month!

[Triton823]

sugarplum892 said: @spicystrawberry wow! thanks for sharing them! This drama is coming out next month!