Chapter Sixteen: The Tiger
“Miss, your wine is here!”
“Thank you, innkeeper. I’ll take my leave now!”
“Wait, miss—” Yang Shoucheng thought to himself, I haven’t learned anything about you yet, and now you’re leaving? What am I supposed to do? But alas, her graceful figure had already stepped past the threshold, and his soul seemed to fly out after her.
Yang Shoucheng glanced outside, realizing dusk was approaching. He lowered his head in thought, and a faint smile appeared on his face. Turning to his workers, he said, “I have something to attend to outside. Look after the place for me!” With that, he hurried out.
The workers exchanged looks. One said, “The boss is smitten by that lady; bet he’s gone after her!” The others chuckled and nodded.
Yanhe Town was neither large nor small. Zhou Hongxian walked for about ten minutes before reaching the edge of the town. Carrying the wine jar, she thought, “I need to get out of town and find somewhere deserted to use my Earth-shrinking technique, or I’ll be late and get scolded again!” With that, she quickened her pace.
Suddenly, a shout came from behind: “Miss, wait!”
The voice sounded familiar, but Zhou Hongxian was in a hurry and didn’t respond. Soon, a figure darted in front of her, startling her. The man, bent over and panting, managed a smile: “Miss, please wait!”
She recognized him as Yang Shoucheng, the innkeeper, and exclaimed in surprise, “Innkeeper, why did you follow me all the way here? Is something the matter? Did you overcharge me?”
Yang Shoucheng watched the woman he admired pat her chest, looking frightened, and his heart raced. “No, miss. It’s getting dark, so I thought I’d escort you home.”
Zhou Hongxian was taken aback. “You—want to escort me home?”
Wanting to appear more impressive, Yang Shoucheng straightened up and put his hands on his hips. “Yes, miss! The area around Yanhe Town is desolate; it’s unsafe for you to travel alone, and you’d be anxious all the way. How could I bear that? Besides, the inn isn’t busy today, so let me escort you home!”
Now she understood—he wanted to play the gallant protector. But she thought, Really? He’s got the wrong person; I’m not some delicate flower. His act feels almost comical!
“That’s not necessary. I’ve been here before and never met any danger. I’m not afraid! Thank you for your offer, Innkeeper, but please return.”
“Miss, it’s nothing, just a small effort! Besides, carrying such a large jar of wine must be difficult for you. Let me help!” Before she could protest, Yang Shoucheng seized the jar from her, intentionally brushing her hand. He felt her skin, smooth and soft, and a tingling sensation ran through him.
“Isn’t this a bit too enthusiastic?” Zhou Hongxian frowned.
Oblivious to her discomfort, Yang Shoucheng was delighted to have achieved his first goal. He smiled, “It’s nothing, miss. Let’s be on our way! By the way, where do you live?”
“My home is on Mount Taibai!” she thought, but dared not say it aloud—people would either think she was joking or realize she wasn’t human. After some hesitation, she said, “I live in Fish Village to the north.”
Yang Shoucheng was surprised. “Fish Village? That’s thirty miles from here. Did you walk all the way?”
Zhou Hongxian nodded, thinking, Surely this will make him reconsider?
Indeed, a troubled look crossed Yang Shoucheng’s face, but after a brief pause, he glanced at her face—and then, furtively, at her chest—before rallying himself. “Miss, I’m even less comfortable letting you walk such a long way alone. Today, I must escort you!”
Zhou Hongxian saw all his little gestures and cursed inwardly. She remembered how he’d ogled her at the inn and grew secretly angry. Fine, you want to escort me? I’ll let you, and when we’re out of town, I’ll give you a good scare! She put on a grateful expression and smiled sweetly, “Innkeeper, you’re so kind. Thank you for your trouble!”
Her charming face and soft voice jolted Yang Shoucheng’s heart, and a foolish smile spread across his face. “Miss, fate has brought us together. Calling me ‘Innkeeper’ is too distant—just call me Yang, or Shoucheng! By the way, may I know your name?”
Zhou Hongxian smiled but did not reply.
Seeing her unwillingness, Yang Shoucheng was frustrated but not discouraged. With such a long journey, he was sure he’d learn something, and perhaps even win her over before they arrived. He stepped aside, inviting her to go ahead. “After you, miss!”
She murmured assent and took the lead toward the town’s outskirts, but soon regretted it. She felt his burning gaze behind her. Turning abruptly, she saw Yang Shoucheng licking his lips, his eyes fixed on her backside!
Even Zhou Hongxian, usually bold, blushed. She pretended, “Innkeeper, it’s improper for a woman to have a man walking behind her. You should go ahead.”
Yang Shoucheng was secretly delighted. She’s so considerate; she must be interested in me! It’s a pity, though, that I can’t admire that alluring sight anymore.
Reluctant, he complied. After about half an hour, they reached Shili Slope north of Yanhe Town, where the sun still cast a fiery glow in the west.
Yang Shoucheng, burdened with the ten-pound wine jar and struggling to keep up conversation, was breathing hard. “Miss, you must be tired. Shall we rest for a bit?”
Zhou Hongxian found it amusing. Such stamina, yet so lecherous? She replied, “Innkeeper, you seem more exhausted than I am—maybe you should rest?”
Yang Shoucheng’s face changed, forcing a laugh. “Ah? I’m not tired, not at all!”
“Rest for a bit. You’re so kind, carrying this heavy jar for me. I’d feel guilty if you wore yourself out.”
---
Yang Shoucheng was overjoyed. “Alright, alright, as you say!” No sooner had he spoken than he eagerly set the jar down. He wanted to sit, but thinking it improper, he pondered, then began to remove his outer robe.
Zhou Hongxian stepped back in alarm. “What are you doing?”
Yang Shoucheng paused, then realized her concern and laughed, “Don’t worry, miss, I mean no harm. There’s nowhere to sit, so I’ll use my robe as a cushion.” He laid his robe on the ground and gestured invitingly. “Please, miss, sit!”
She was surprised. “You’re giving up your robe?”
He smiled, “It’s just a robe; I can spare it. I can’t bear to see you stand and tire yourself.”
Watching his considerate actions, Zhou Hongxian felt a pang of admiration. Lecherous as he was, his heart was attentive. If only she’d had his skills in her past life, she might have won a girl herself! But admiration aside, she didn’t wish to accept his gesture. “No need, I’m not tired.”
Yang Shoucheng was a little embarrassed, unsure whether to stand or sit. Having walked over ten miles, he felt he’d done enough, yet the beauty showed no gratitude, making him anxious. Looking at her lovely face and alluring figure, a sudden impulse seized him; he stepped forward and grabbed her hands.
She hadn’t expected him to be so bold and exclaimed, “What are you doing?”
Yang Shoucheng held her hands to his chest, his face flushed. “Miss, I beg you to save me!”
“You’re fine—what do you need saving from?”
“You don’t know. The first time you came to my inn for wine, I fell for you at first sight! When you didn’t return, I missed you day and night, lost my appetite and sleep. Last time I hesitated, didn’t dare follow you. This time, I can’t let you go. Please, save me, ease my lovesickness!”
Zhou Hongxian was both angry and embarrassed. “Let go, or I’ll call for help!”
“It’s useless to call out—no one ever passes here. I’m not a villain; all I ask is that you accept me. I’ll treat you well! My family is wealthy—you’ll live in luxury, far better than with your young master!”
“Don’t do this—it’s awkward for both of us!”
“No need to be troubled! If you accept me, I’ll settle things with your young master. For someone drowning in debt, silver solves everything!” He pulled her toward him.
She resisted furiously. “Don’t push your luck!”
Yang Shoucheng’s eyes were bloodshot. “Today, I intend to push my luck!” He stretched his neck to kiss her lips.
Zhou Hongxian dodged, avoiding his mouth, but her forehead and cheeks suffered his advances. Furious, she thought, I was ready to let it go, just send him off, but he insists on forcing me!
She stopped resisting and, feigning coquettishness, said, “Yang, I’ll accept you, isn’t that enough?”
Delighted, he asked, “Miss, you finally understand my feelings?”
She continued in a soft voice, “If you like me so much, why be rough? Don’t you know how to cherish a woman?”
Yang Shoucheng nodded eagerly. “I do, of course I do! Tell me what you like, and I’ll do it!”
“Then let go of me first, okay?” she coaxed.
He was about to agree, then shook his head. “No, your legs are stronger than mine; I’m afraid you’ll run if I let go!”
You’re so blinded by desire, yet not entirely foolish, she cursed inwardly. Her plan failed, so she tried another. She lifted her head. “Yang, you wanted to kiss me—look into my eyes, won’t you?”
He looked down; Zhou Hongxian gazed up at him, her eyes full of tender emotion, bashful and inviting. He was utterly intoxicated, leaning in to kiss her, but suddenly a strange red light flashed in her eyes, and Yang Shoucheng felt dizzy.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
He shook his head vigorously. “Just felt dizzy for a moment, but it’s nothing! Miss, let’s continue—” But as he spoke, a thunderous roar sounded nearby, startling him.
“There’s a tiger!” Zhou Hongxian shrieked.
Yang Shoucheng looked toward the sound and saw a nearly two-meter-long striped tiger glaring at them from ten meters away, poised to spring.
Terrified, he screamed and prepared to run, but Zhou Hongxian grabbed him, pleading, “Yang, don’t abandon me! You just said you loved me!”
He thought she was right, and her beauty made him reluctant to leave. He seized her hand, “Then what are we waiting for? Miss, run!”
Hand in hand, they fled, the tiger chasing behind. But after a few steps, Zhou Hongxian staggered, sweat pouring from her brow. She clung to his hand, collapsed, and wailed, “I can’t go on, Yang, I sprained my ankle!”
“You! Women—” Yang Shoucheng was exasperated, but seeing the tiger still far behind, he swallowed his words and pulled her up. “Miss, I’ll carry you, hurry!”
---
Zhou Hongxian nodded tearfully. “Yang, you’re so good to me!”
Now, their escape slowed considerably. Oddly, no matter how slowly they ran, the tiger remained just behind, never overtaking them. Yang Shoucheng didn’t notice, believing his life depended on running, so he pressed on.
After two or three hundred meters, he was gasping for air, face drawn. “Miss, you seem to be getting heavier!”
She began to sob softly. “Yang, do you want to abandon me?”
“No, no, miss, you’re overthinking!” he protested.
“Then keep carrying me. From now on, I’m yours—whatever you wish, I’ll obey!”
The promise revived him, and he carried her for another mile, but finally he could go no further. “Miss, you really are getting heavier, like two or three hundred pounds!”
She cried again. “Are you going to be faithless so soon?”
“No, truly not!” He glanced back and saw the tiger had vanished. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, “Miss, we escaped!”
She confirmed it, nodded, “Yes, we’re safe!”
Yang Shoucheng finally set her down. With danger gone and after a brief rest, his mind became lively again. Seeing Zhou Hongxian resting, he recalled her earlier words and smiled, “Miss, I’ve saved your life. Why not come back to Yanhe Town with me tonight instead of your young master?”
She lowered her eyes, blushing shyly. “From now on, I’m yours. Whatever you say goes.”
Her sweet words filled him with burning desire. He wished to take her then and there, but in these wild hills, the risk of encountering the tiger again made him hesitate. Still, his longing was hard to suppress; he thought to steal a kiss at least. “Miss, may I kiss you now?” He pointed to his lips.
She blushed. “This isn’t home; how can I?”
“Why not? No one’s watching!”
“What if the tiger comes back?”
“Don’t worry, miss. It’s been so long, that beast must have lost us.”
She dropped her head bashfully, but Yang Shoucheng, heedless, was about to force a kiss when another thunderous roar erupted nearby—the tiger had returned!
Zhou Hongxian screamed, “Yang, save me!”
But the tiger was almost upon them. Yang Shoucheng, panic-stricken, shouted, “Don’t eat me!” and shoved Zhou Hongxian in front of him, fleeing in a panic.
She sat on the ground, crying and shouting, “Yang, come back, don’t leave me!”
He didn’t look back, leaving only one sentence: “Miss, I really can’t carry you anymore, forgive me!” He didn’t see that as the tiger lunged toward Zhou Hongxian, it vanished as suddenly as if it had turned to mist.
After he left, Zhou Hongxian stood, smiled faintly. “Luckily, I’m not a woman at heart, or I’d truly despair after this!” She brushed off her skirt and vanished like a breeze.
By the time she returned to Mount Taibai, the moon was high and stars sparse. The white fox was waiting for her by the Heavenly Pool waterfall.
“Red Aunt, why are you an hour later than usual today?”
“I ran into a little trouble on the way, so I was delayed.”
“What kind of trouble? You seem upset. Will you tell me?”
“It’s nothing, just a trivial matter—thinking back, it’s quite amusing, but I’ve already dealt with it, so it’s not worth mentioning.”
Seeing Zhou Hongxian’s smile lacking any real joy, the white fox gently shook its head, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss. It realized she was no longer as open as before; she’d begun to hide her feelings.
Meanwhile, after abandoning Zhou Hongxian, Yang Shoucheng ran for another mile or so, darkness enveloping him, lost in the wild hills, unable to find the way back to Yanhe Town.
He wandered aimlessly for half an hour, exhausted and hungry, with no village or inn nearby. Alone, he began to feel afraid.
Just as despair set in, he spotted a distant light—someone’s home, perhaps. In his desperation, it was like a lifeline, and he hurried toward the glow.