Qingshui City
Jinghua-
While A-li prepared the dough, I tended to the stove fire. The long day ends with A-li making a simple dinner, liangpi: cold spicy noodles with fresh cucumber and cilantro, a dish perfect for the warm weather. We eat fast, relishing the flavor with little conversation. Afterwards, A-li wordlessly gathers the empty bowls and clears the table.
“I’ll do the dishes.” I take the rounded ceramic bowls from her arms. They still smell like fresh cilantro. “I filled the tub for you. A bath will relax you for a sound sleep.” She nods, looking tired. The trip, or what she calls her adventure, has finally caught up with her. A-li takes off the cotton apron and drapes it on my arm. She touches my cheek, thanks me, and goes inside.
After washing the dishes and putting them away, Qing Yuan and I settle into the wooden rocking chairs in the courtyard of Magnolia Manor. These chairs are a rare find in the capital and add a rustic charm to this homey place. We are surrounded by the beauty of the plum tree and the starry sky, creating a sense of leisure.
As we sit here, the warm sultry summer night air covers us like a light veil, but there is an occasional mild breeze from Crystal Lake nearby, which offers a refreshing respite from the heat. Qing Yuan pours us some delicious plum wine we discovered in the kitchen pantry. Its smooth texture and sweet taste from sun-ripened fruit refresh our palates after the spicy dinner.
I drink more than I usually do, indulging in the moment. Being here, right now, is truly satisfying. The journey wasn’t difficult, but it brings a profound sense of relief, like finally reaching your desired destination. After weeks of traveling, we enjoy the act of sitting in silence and guilty pleasure of doing nothing, giving into the fatigue and listening to sounds of chirping crickets and night birds nearby.
Qing Yuan groans and raises his arms above his head. He interlocks his hands together, using them as a makeshift pillow as he leans back in his chair. He grumbles, the kind of sound people make when they’ve eaten too much. “I’m stuffed.” He pats his bloated stomach. “I had two bowls for dinner,” he says. “Where did A-li learn to cook so well?”
“She cooked for her foster siblings,” I reply, but I use the term “foster” loosely because it’s not accurate. I can’t speak ill of Wang Guo’s children, the man who kidnapped A-li. I know exactly what went on because Wang Er, who lived with her, witnessed it firsthand. She had cooked and nourished them while barely eating herself. I remember when I first saw her in town.
The anger it provokes in me never fades. A-li had been painfully thin, with nothing but skin and bone. Her tattered clothes and shoes were no better than rags. Looking back, I can’t believe she endured such miserable circumstances for all those years. Most wouldn’t have been able to. If only Wang Gao was still alive, I would torture him to the brink of death, revive him, and repeat the process again and again.
“Jinghua, one day if I told you something terrible about my family, would you hate me? Do you think you could forgive me just once?” Qing Yuan must be drunk. It’s not like him to get melancholy. He usually likes to play foolish drinking games, but tonight he’s reflective and solemn. I think it’s probably the wine affecting him harder as wine does when one is tired.
“I already know everything about your blight of the world of a father and your wicked witch of a sister, too. The only positive contribution your family has made to this planet it’s you.” I declare, then lightly punch his arm, teasing him. “You’re a halfwit, but you’re my best friend and the only redeeming member from your father’s bloodline.”
I fill his glass again, motion for him to drink while Qing Yuan stares at me, through me with an unreadable gaze. Then he snaps out of his stupor, laughs that little chuckle that he does, downs his wine and looks up into the night sky.
The night is so peaceful; we lose track of the time lazily falling asleep in our chairs. It’s much later when I hear someone moving about inside. It must be A-li out of her bath.
“I’m absolutely beat.” Qing Yuan stretches his arms and yawns loudly with his mouth wide open. His arms drop and hang limp at his sides. “A-li has taken the larger room as she should and the bed in the second room is small. You’ll be sharing beds with A-li…” He leaves his sentence hanging, so I don’t know if it’s a statement or question or his suggestion. I hadn’t thought about the sleeping arrangements.
After considering, I reply, “No, I can take the floor in our room.” Qing Yuan’s head cocks, his right eyebrow lifts and he crinkles his nose, staring at me, perplexed. Then he says. “Whatever works for you.”
There aren’t many stairs, but Qing Yuan takes them two at a time. As we reach the room we’ll be sharing, I notice I might be the one who is more comfortable. The floor beside the bed is larger than the narrow single bed, and there isn’t another pillow or blanket in view, but I recall seeing the extra bedding when we moved some trunks into the main bedchamber.
The door to A-li’s bedroom is closed, and I briefly consider knocking. However, there is no noise coming from inside, so I assume she’s sleeping. I tiptoe into the room, only to find her awake, sitting upright in bed with her hands resting on her lap. The room is softly illuminated by candlelight, casting a gentle glow on her meticulously combed tresses that cascade down away from her face. Her skin, freshly bathed, radiates a healthy glow. She wears pink summer pajamas, made of thin material, which somehow hang and hug her body simultaneously.
A-li, with heavy-lidded, sleepy bedroom eyes, gazes up at me. The moment she spots me, her face brightens, illuminating the room more. Disentangling herself from the warmth of the comforter, she rises from the bed and approaches me. As her hands touch my face, I feel the velvety softness of her skin, slightly puckered and roughened by water exposure.
“You look exhausted.” Her fingertips gently unfasten the buttons of my coat. I cover her hand with mine, and she turns her hurt gaze towards me, concern etched in her uncertain expression. “Have I done something wrong?” she asks, the corners of her lips down-turned in a frown. Her quivering bottom lip protrudes ever so slightly, casting a pouty shadow. “We haven’t made love since our first time at the inn in the capital. Do you not desire me anymore?”
“How can you think that?” I draw her into a warm embrace, feeling the softness of her body against mine. The scent of her body’s natural perfume, a sweet and intoxicating aroma, overcomes my senses. “A-li, I don’t have the willpower of the Buddha,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. The gentle sound of our breaths intertwining creates a symphony of intimacy. “I want you more than you can imagine, but…” Gently, I pull her away, bowing my head to her height until our eyes meet, locked in a tender gaze. My heart pounds in my chest faster, the beat echoing in my ears. “I love you, but I want everything to be right.” I hate to speak the words, but I do. “You’re still engaged to Jingyuan.”
Her gentle exhale skims, brushing against my skin like the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings. “Jinghua, my moon and stars. The marriage promise is unwanted by both Jingyuan and me. I’m yours. I belong to you entirely, body and soul.” Her voice, though faint, reverberates in the air.
Tenderly, she coos, cradling my face in her hands, her touch as delicate as a feather. The sweetness of her love drips like honey, pouring from the depths of her affectionate gaze. Tilting her face upwards to meet mine, she aligns her lips with mine and poses a question that lingers in the air. “Am I the only one who feels this way?” her voice cracks with vulnerability. “Tell me, am I alone in this overwhelming emotion?” With slow movements, she turns her head from side to side, causing our noses to bump and brush against each other playfully, repeatedly.
“No.. No,” I say,” My resistance wavers perhaps too easily. My voice trembling with a mixture of longing and desire. I’m lost, drowning in the depths of her longing-filled gaze. I feel myself being pulled deeper, like being submerged in a sea of emotions. In this moment, the raw and unfiltered honesty shared between us is unmistakable. I am struck by the sheer power of our connection, a force that leaves me awestruck. Doubt briefly flickers through my mind, questioning whether I am deserving of her brave and unconditional love as she willingly exposes the vulnerability of her tender heart and places it in my trembling hands.
“Then take me anyway you want and need. Why are we denying ourselves what our heart’s desire? Let me show you the depths of my love.” She presses her lips to mine. This is no gentle, timid kiss. It’s ravenous. This is a hungry, passionate kiss that ignites a fire in the pit of my stomach and sends it surging through every inch of my body. A-li pushes against me, causing us to stumble backwards and collide into the wall behind. A picture frame titters back and forth, rattling precariously before it falls off its hook. The room’s temperature rises as our bodies join, creating a palpable wave of heat that engulfs us.
The softness of her curves seamlessly merges with the firmness of my chest and abdomen, igniting a delicious friction that sends tingles through my skin. With every subtle movement she makes, the air becomes charged, leaving me breathless and my clothes suffocatingly tight. She withdraws, skillfully undoing the single hairpin that holds my topknot in place. My hair tumbles down, hanging freely. In one fluid motion, she unfastens my coat, allowing it to descend to the floor. “I’m consumed by my love for you,” Her nimble fingers then expertly remove my shirt, adding it to the haphazard heap with my coat, while my pants join the disarrayed ensemble. As I stand before her, completely naked, I am awestruck by her gaze filled with admiration. She whispers softly, faintly, “Jinghua, you are my moon and stars.”
Her gaze locks onto mine, piercing through me with an intensity that leaves me breathless. It’s as if she can peer into the very depths of my soul. Emotions surge through me and tears well up in my eyes, a testament to the overwhelming love I feel for her. Whispering against the delicate skin of her neck, I confess, “I love you.”
My lips graze the softness of her collarbone, igniting a tingling sensation that electrifies my senses. She guides my hand to her breasts, her touch intertwining with mine, as we both apply gentle pressure, cherishing the intimate connection we share. Through the fabric of her pajamas, I caress, cup, and fondle her, reveling in the sensation of her warmth and the rhythmic beating of her heart.
With a swift, graceful motion, she pulls her nightshirt over her head, exposing her bare form to the flickering candlelight. The sight of her standing there, bathed in the warm glow, is nothing short of breathtaking. Every curve, every contour of her body exudes perfection. My throat tightens, and my stomach knots further with a mixture of desire and reverence. Tracing my fingertips along the silky waistband of her pajama bottoms, I watch as she blushes from arousal trembling under my touch. Hooking my fingers on both sides, I slowly slide the fabric down her slender legs, revealing more of her exquisite beauty.
As she stands before me in her naked vulnerability, I am overwhelmed by a sense of awe. She is my religion and her body, the temple, is my place of worship. A tingling sensation courses under my skin, like a gentle electric current, as a shiver of anticipation runs down my spine, causing tiny goosebumps to form. “You’re exquisite,” I murmur, my voice barely audible, as I gently cup her face, feeling the warmth of her skin against my palms. She invites me with lips like supple rose petals. Their delicate scent wafts in the air, curling upward into a smile. It’s innocent yet seductive, bewitching me even more.
Her lips meet mine in a passionate kiss, the sound of our breath mingling sounds like rhythmic music playing in the background. Holding each other tightly, our bodies pressed together, a thin sheen of sweat begins to glisten. Like raindrops, she rains sweet kisses down my chin and neck. Her tongue teases, swirling in delicate circles around my hardened nipples, while her lips nibble and torment, creating a deliciously torturous sensation.
Her hands, coated with a light sheen of sweat, roam across my shoulders and back, their touch both gentle and possessive. My engorged member twitches with need. A throb of pleasure echoes throughout my body, as her finger traces delicate circles on the sensitive tip of my demanding arousal. The sensations weaken my legs, making them feel like jelly, as a husky groan escapes my lips, mingling with the sounds of our shared pleasure.
The sweltering summer air between us crackles and hums with promise as I lift her up, feeling the delicate weight of her body in my arms. As I carry her across the room, the rise and fall of her breasts draw my gaze to her pert nipples, while her skin carries a rosy glow, spreading down her body. Her desire-filled gaze shine, captivating me like a moth to a flame.
“Take me,” she whispers breathlessly, a passionate moan escaping her lips. As I lower myself onto her, the heat of her body sears against mine. Our bodies press together, molding as if they were made to be entwined. Our mouths devour each other, our hungry kisses filling the room with an intoxicating sound. I position myself between her open legs, feeling my eager cock twitch against her thigh, slick with her readiness. She’s ready, but I yearn to bury my face between her thighs, exploring the intoxicating scent and taste that awaits me.
As I gently part from our kiss, she clings to me tightly, her fingers digging into my skin, emitting soft whimpers. “A-li…I need to taste you,” my voice raspy with desire. Her response is a low, throaty groan, a clear sign of her deep arousal. Slowly, she releases her grip, allowing me to explore her further. I press my lips against hers once more, losing myself in the depth of our kiss.
“I’m going to have my way with you.” I sound thirsty, testimony of my arousal. “I’m going to revel in the taste of you.” My lips trail down, leaving a pathway of wet kisses along the swell of her breasts. The sight of her hardened nipples, akin to irresistible candy, demands my attention. As I draw one between my teeth, she lets out a mixture of pain and pleasure, only encouraging me further. Continuing my journey, I plant more kisses along her soft flat belly, following the seductive curve of her body as I descend lower. Finally, I reach the silky, straight hair on her mound. I inhale deeply and press my nose against her delicate scent. It intoxicates me and makes my head spin.
“You are my drug. I’m addicted to you.” I say. My voice is so thick, heavy from lust. It doesn’t even sound like me.
My mouth waters as my heart quickens in anticipation. The scent of her intimate essence captivates me, almost as if I can taste her delicate nectar. Her hips rise from the bed, yearning for connection. Her small hands clutch the comforter tightly, gathering the fabric in her grasp. A hint of nervousness trembles through her body, adding to her allure. She is a vision of beauty. I am consumed by my insatiable longing for her, a madness that cannot be denied and I surrender to my craving.
I lower myself into her honeyed haven. Her supple thighs yield under my touch, spreading apart to the width of my shoulders. My tongue meets her, and a symphony of sensations unfolds. Her body arches, pressing against the bed as a throaty moan escapes her. She tastes divine, a delicious blend of sweetness and tanginess. With each lick and tease, I savor her essence, exploring every fold with my skillful tongue and lips. My hunger increases, and I eagerly insert my fingers, withdrawing them to lick them and indulge in the succulent flavor of her. She is drenched in desire, her nectar flowing like the finest elixir, enveloping my face, coating my tongue, and drenching my fingers in pure bliss.
She moans in pure rapture as my tongue glides inside, penetrating her. My index and third fingers replace my tongue’s touch. Her trembling thighs part eagerly as I taste, lick, and suck her sensitive pink pearl. With her legs draped over my shoulder, I have even greater access to pleasure her. My tongue flicks against her swollen rosy nub, tapping lightly. With each touch, she releases more of her syrup, and I taste her delicious essence as another surge of wetness reaches my mouth. She calls out, moaning my name. Her head thrashes from side to side, while she writhes and thrusts against my eager mouth. Her eyes remain shut, her bottom lip bitten to stifle her moans. I seamlessly continue my finger penetrations and tapping tongue, while using my pinky finger reaching back to explore a forbidden area gently, pushing her to the edge and towards her climax.
“Ahh Jinghua!” She cries blissfully. Amidst a state of ecstasy, she clutches my hair. It’s a snug fit, but I add another digit, giving her three fingers, heightening her pleasure to new peaks. “Yessss,” she hisses and grunts, her moans filled with pleasure as her hips press firmly against my eager mouth. The rhythmic grinding of her body against my face creates a tantalizing friction. Her thighs quiver, trembling with the intensity of her pleasure, while her muscles tighten and release in delicious spasms. Like a cat lapping up milk, I drink in my reward from her climax, lapping up the sweet honey covering her moist slit.
As her breath steadies, I raise myself up to kiss her deeply, sharing the taste of her sexuality, her pleasure when our tongues meet, intertwine and dance, feeling a sense of urgency in the air. I’m filled with anticipation. Overwhelmed by it. I feel the hardness of my arousal, rigid like a rock, as it releases a warm droplet of pre-cum. She embraces me, her arms encircling my neck, pulling me closer. Groping. Her hands explore every inch of my body. As if I were a zither, her fingertips dance along the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. She traces the lines and old scars on my back. Her touch awakens a mix of pleasure and the delicious pain from holding back.
Involuntarily, my hips move forward, rubbing against her. The direct friction of our connection sets my skin ablaze, as the pulsating heat surges through my veins, igniting a primal fire within me. With a half-growl, she demands, “I need you inside me. Take me now.”
With a deliberate and unhurried motion, I glide into her, feeling the velvety warmth envelop me. A-li’s legs coil around my waist, pulling and urging me to go deeper. Every muscle in my body tenses. My spine straightens as I sink further, the tip of my member plunging into the abyss, the lowest depths of her femininity. Our gazes locked onto each other’s eyes, reflecting our mutual passions and reveling in the sheer magnitude of our physical connection. Our bodies rock. We move in perfect harmony with our sweat drenched bodies fused.
A-li gasps and wails, her back arching off the bed. Her supple breasts press against my chest, their hardened peaks igniting a fiery sensation on my skin. “Jinghua… please, I want to have your baby. I want to be the mother of your child,” she pleads desperately. Her earnest begging makes my full balls ache, longing to release.
My wordless reply is my lips colliding with hers like a powerful crashing wave against unyielding rocks. The sensation reverberates through my entire body. Her seeking hands find their way into my hair, her fingers twisting and entangling, adding another tinge of urgency to our embrace. As her legs stiffen around my lower back, I feel the tension, a physical manifestation of our desire for each other.
Our fingers interlock, creating a firm and unbreakable bond, as if holding on for dear life. In this moment, our closeness transcends any distance; we become one entity, inseparable. I am consumed by an overwhelming desire for this moment to never end. The intimacy we share is palpable, a raw and untamed force that engulfs us. It is not just physical; it is emotional, as if our souls are entwined in this passionate connection. Love permeates every fiber of our beings, leaving no room for anything else.
“I love you.” Whispering, I express my love to A-li. I hear her urging me to fill her with my life force, feeling her body tense and ready under mine. The tightness of her inner space intensifies as my thrusting phallus moves faster and faster until it brings us to mutual climax together. We unite in a moment of pure ecstasy. I experience a level of pleasure I have never known before, my seed still squirting inside, filling her as I collapse onto her, my body limp as if my spine has been forcefully removed. We hold each other staying perfectly still, spent and contented, inhaling deeply, savoring the blissful aftermath of our intimacy, enveloped in a fragranced atmosphere of our union, until we peacefully drift off, entwined in each other’s embrace.
Mr. Wu-
In the morning on Crooked Hill Road, a group of neighborhood women sat at an oversized table on the shared road. They were sorting dried herbs and roots to sell at the market. As they worked, they exchanged the latest juicy gossip and talked about people behind their backs. “Good morning, madams.” Mr. Wu walked by with his wife and niece and waved at the women. Some of them were his wife’s friends, while others were her enemies, depending on the day, depending on their moods. Judging by his wife’s turned-up nose and icy demeanor towards them, it was clear they were enemies this week.
Mr. Wu didn’t bother asking his wife about the reason for their discord because he simply didn’t care. He told his wife and niece, “As I explained, they are nice people, and even if they’re not, their money is. The work will be minimal, and the pay will be top-notch.” Mr. Wu didn’t reveal the exact rate of pay because he planned to skim some off the top for himself. “Maybe it’s too early. They might still be in bed.” His wife fussed. He snapped at her. “Don’t be foolish woman! The early bird gets the worm. Jobs that pay this well are hard to find. We must beat the neighbors before they come around sniffing and get hired first.”
He tidied his tiny mustache with his saliva-covered fingers and gestured to the women to spruce themselves up for their introduction. He lifted his hand to knock on the door, but a hair-raising, blood-curdling scream from the other side stopped him cold. He overheard a heated conversation between the people he had met the day before.
The pitch was high like a woman’s, but Mr. Wu recognized Brother Yuan’s voice. “Ahhhhhh. Ahhhhhhh! No, no, no! Make her kill it! Or at least get rid of it!”
Madam Li yelled, “I can’t believe you’re having such a fit over a little snake!”
Brother Yuan explained, “It’s unacceptable and believed to bring bad luck to have black snakes in your house!”
Mr. Hua Jing chimed in, “Qing Yuan has a severe snake phobia. He’s afraid of all things that slither.”
Madam Li protested, “That’s ridiculous! How can one fear such a tiny little snake? It’s hurt! I’m going to keep it and take care of it. I need to go to the market and get some raw meat.”
Mr. Hua Jing advised in that flat way he spoke, “A-li, cook the meat. Snakes don’t eat raw meat. That’s disgusting.”
Madam Li replied confidently, “I have my ways. I’ll try feeding it and even kiss it if it doesn’t eat.”
Tut, tut, tut. Mr. Wu disapproved and shook his head at the argument. His wife and niece snickered. It was probably just a common garter snake. It was clear that the city folks were out of their element and not used to encountering wild animals like they were. This was no time for formalities. Mr. Wu pushed the gates open without knocking, but regretted it instantly. Despite the conversation’s ridiculousness, the dispute scene was significantly worse….so much worse!
Madan Li was fine. She looked lovely, standing in the courtyard with a small wicker basket on her arm. Brother Yuan was hiding behind Mr. Hua Jing, peeking over his shoulder. He looked ludicrous, but that wasn’t the issue. It was Mr. Hua Jing. He was indeed the problem.
Apparently, he had just woken up and lacked time for anything. Without a hint of embarrassment, he stood on the porch with his hair a disheveled mess. He was as nude as the day he entered the world from his mother’s womb. The only thing saving him from getting arrested was the pillow he held to cover his private parts strategically.
“Aya, Amituofo. There goes the neighborhood!” Mr. Wu exclaimed while finding it strange that it was so silent, considering the two women who had accompanied him. Should there not be screams? He glanced over his shoulder and choked, speechless. His wife, niece, along with the neighborhood women, were all standing behind him, unabashedly, shamelessly…oh, so shamelessly, ogling, unclothed Mr. Hua Jing, the womanizer.
As much as he wanted to, Mr. Wu couldn’t dispute the fact that Mr. Hua Jing was stare-worthy, a fine representative of the male gender and in magnificent shape. Any admiration was well deserved and he now also thoroughly understood why Madam Li didn’t seem to care that her husband was a pauper. What he lacked in money, the Heavens had blessed him and endowed him in other ways, generously.