A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

“It actually took me five men to stop the two of you.” Young Master Feng’s expression turned dark in an instant as he looked at the men lying on the ground — his subordinates as well as Xia Ling’s bodyguards — who were since unarmed and possibly injured, were among them.

Blood was splattered all over the ground.

Xia Ling tried her best not to waver or tremble.

Young Master Feng rose from the chaise lounge, walked toward her, and held her chin up. She wanted to struggle, but he was exerting too much strength and it hurt her too much.

“Li Lei is really nice to you, young lady.” His smile was cold, almost evil, and reminded her of a venomous rattlesnake. “These two bodyguards are of the highest level, the sort that he’d assign for his own protection. The fact that he assigned them to you, I suppose he’s offended many people in the past two years…”

He was mumbling now as if speaking to himself rather than to her. Suddenly, he tightened the grip on her chin.

The pain was unbearable, and Xia Ling began flailing her arms and kicking him. He snapped out of his thoughts and laughed coldly before pressing his entire body weight against hers.

Xia Ling was frightened. With only two layers of fabric between them, she could feel his warmth. As they were getting way too close, it made her feel insulted and… fearful. She trembled uncontrollably.

He smiled — this man seemed to like smiling a lot, although the smiles were always dark and ominous. He bent down and whispered in her ear. “Please me the way you pleased and seduced Li Lei. Once I’m satisfied with your service, I’ll consider letting you go. How about that?” His words were soft and gentle, but there was no hiding his threat.

Xia Ling could not say a word, she was about to lose her mind.

He laughed again and went ahead to lick her ear lobe with his cool and moist tongue. Xia Ling felt as if a snake had slithered on her, leaving a sticky, slimy substance, making her feel extremely disgusted.

Blacking out intermittently, she began struggling hysterically, but to no avail.

Bang.

Young Master Feng stopped what he was doing.

She heard a familiar voice shouting “Brother!” But it was with hostility and tension.

Feeling a weight off her body, Young Master Feng had already let go of her.

“Oh, Xiao Lei,” He smiled casually. “it’s been long.”

Xia Ling was practically falling to the ground as she used all her might to keep herself upright. About half a dozen people had entered the room suddenly, the leader being Li Lei, who now looked awful as he glared at Young Master Feng with his fists clenched.

The men around Young Master Feng bowed courteously. “Young Master Lei.”

Xia Ling took the opportunity to wipe her ear, and despite having rubbed it until it was red and sore, the disgusting and sticky texture seemed to have never left. She looked toward the two men standing against each other — the outgoing and positive Li Lei and the perverted Li Feng. Who would guess they were brothers?

No wonder she found Li Feng familiar. Although he had a full-bred oriental look while Li Lei was of mixed-blood, they did have some semblance of each other if their skin tone and eye features were not considered.

Of course, Li Lei was much more attractive.

But now, even that handsome face looked awful. “Brother, why didn’t you inform me you had arrived in the city? I could’ve gotten someone to pick you up and throw you a proper welcome feast.”

Li Feng returned to his chaise lounge and smiled. “I’m just here to have a look and find out just which beauty here has managed to tie you to this city, so much so that you’ve forgotten to go home. Xiao Lei, there are tons of things for you to handle back at the headquarters.”

The phoenix-eyed man spoke naturally as if Li Lei had behaved like a spoiled and insensible child.

Li Lei bent down slightly. “I’ve made you worry.” He glanced at Xia Ling. “But Brother, you’ve got it wrong. I’m not staying here because of anyone. It’s just that I’ve had a lot to handle at Skyart this year; you know this too. I’m afraid I can’t leave anytime soon.”

Li Feng looked at him and laughed. “Skyart has been getting more and more successful these few years. Guess I was right to say that Grandpa favored you.”

Li Lei was respectful and cautious with his words. “That’s not true. Grandpa treats all of his grandchildren equally well.”

Suddenly, Li Feng burst into laughter.

Xia Ling got a shock. That laughter sounded vile and distorted, one that seemed to entail hatred. As it reverberated in the otherwise silent room, it sent a chill down their spines.

With a slight tremble of the hand, the porcelain cup slipped through the grasp of the lady serving him and landed on the ground.

“Get out!” He kicked her in the chest.

The lady whimpered as she turned pale. Sweat began dripping down her face, but she dared not resist. She painfully attempted to stand as she held onto her chest tightly.

Everyone around Li Feng hung their heads low, unwilling to see nor speak about it.

Li Lei did not look pleasant either.

“Equally treated, you say.” Li Feng was almost in tears from laughing. “Do you remember when you were five? No, you probably don’t, I just accidentally pushed you into the river, and Grandpa beat me until I couldn’t walk for months… The following year, you set fire to Big Uncle’s antique store, but Grandpa barely gave you a few words of lecture, and even compensated Big Uncle on your behalf.”

He looked at Li Lei coldly now. “Equally treated? What a joke!”

Li Lei pursed his lips tightly, unwilling to say more.

Xia Ling guessed that Li Lei knew there was nothing he said could salvage the situation. Li Feng was practically a temperamental lunatic.

Li Feng continued drinking as another lady refilled his cup every so often. The more he drank, the wider his eyes became as he went on scrutinizing both Li Lei and Xia Ling back and forth. He laughed again. “My good little brother.” He was gentle again now. “You rushed here so quickly. Is it for my sake, or… this little beauty over there?”

“Of course it’s for you, Brother.” Li Lei replied quickly.

Li Lei squinted his eyes. “Honest?”

“Honest.”

“Ha ha ha…” Li Feng laughed aloud.

Xia Ling was getting the goosebumps from his laughter. She leaned against the wall, wishing that she could disappear that instant.

When he was finally done laughing, he asked Li Lei, “You said you wanted to throw a feast to welcome me?”

“As long as you’re willing, I’ll get it done.”

“You’re a good brother indeed.” Li Feng looked toward him, half smiling. “You remember what I like?

Li Lei was still cautious. “I do. Brother loves hard liquor and beautiful ladies. Since you’re here, I’ll give you as much as you want.”

“As much as I want.” Li Feng stood from the chaise lounge, pointed his finger at Xia Ling, and smiled deviously. “Don’t trouble yourself, I’ll take her.”