Chapter 77 — Exclusive Favor
Xie Jing called out softly, “Master.”
Lord Bai Jiu loosened his hold on him and said in a low voice, “Go wash your face. I’ll wait for you in the car outside.”
Xie Jing answered quickly and ran backstage.
Everyone from the Shangyu troupe was waiting there, uneasy and frightened. Seeing them like that, Xie Jing reassured, “Boss Shang, don’t worry. The person today wasn’t targeting your troupe — he was after the Bai family. You were just dragged into it by accident. No matter what, the Bai family will ensure your safety.”
Shang Yulou’s heart settled a little. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, “Many thanks, Manager Xie. It’s just… our theater’s been smashed up; I’m afraid we can’t stay here any longer.”
Xie Jing said, “I’ll have people come and arrange a new place for you soon. Everyone was frightened today — you should all rest for a few days.” After thinking for a moment, he added, “In a few days, the Bai family’s trade caravan will be returning to the provincial capital. The guards are reliable and the route’s safe. Boss Shang, you could travel with them and return home together.”
Hearing that they could leave in just a few days, Shang Yulou was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.
Xie Jing found a dressing room, untied his belt, changed back into the clothes he’d left backstage earlier, and washed his face until all traces of makeup were gone.
Shang Yulou had been worried he wouldn’t know how to remove the stage paint and came over to help, but then saw Xie Jing quickly scrub his face clean in no time. His small fair face emerged spotless, with a few drops of water running down to his chin. He didn’t seem to care, just shook his head like a drenched puppy to fling off the water.
Shang Yulou couldn’t help laughing and handed him a set of skincare products. “Little Xie, it’s cold — put some on, or your face will crack.”
Before Xie Jing even saw clearly what it was, the strong scent made him sneeze.
Shang Yulou looked embarrassed. “It’s gardenia-scented… a bit strong, I admit.”
A sharp-eyed child nearby came over holding a tin box of clam oil. It didn’t have much fragrance, but was very soothing — with a faint, sweet note. Inside was a snow-white balm, looking almost like a piece of condensed milk.
Xie Jing had meant to refuse, but when he saw the child’s expectant face — and noticed the bruise at the corner of the boy’s eye — he hesitated, changed his words to, “Thank you,” and accepted it, using a bit.
The boy was delighted, smiling so widely that he tugged his wound and hissed softly in pain.
When Xie Jing was about to leave backstage, he happened to run into an acquaintance from the East Wing. The man had previously followed Lord Bai Jiu on an errand and hadn’t been seen for some time. He nodded to Xie Jing in greeting, then said to the troupe, “Message from Lord Bai Jiu — you all were frightened today. He’s arranged a banquet for you. Once you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, your belongings will be moved to new lodgings. Boss Shang, just take your people and rest easy. All expenses will go on Lord Bai Jiu’s account. Once matters here are settled, he’ll personally see you safely back to the provincial capital.”
The troupe thanked him in unison.
Xie Jing didn’t linger. He quickened his pace and went outside to find Lord Bai Jiu’s black sedan, opened the door, and got in.
Lord Bai Jiu sat inside, glanced at him once, and instructed the driver up front, “Drive.”
The car started with a slight jolt. Sitting across from the master, Xie Jing’s knee brushed against his, and his hand rested on the man’s thigh.
Lord Bai Jiu pressed his hand down and, with a bit of force, pulled him over. Xie Jing nearly ended up sitting in his lap and whispered, “Master, I’m heavy now — I can sit by myself.”
Lord Bai Jiu smacked him lightly on the hip. “You’ve grown, and your courage’s grown too.”
Xie Jing clutched at his coat, eyes reddening at the corners.
Lord Bai Jiu asked calmly, “What, feeling wronged already?”
He lifted one side of his fur cloak, and Xie Jing burrowed into it on his own, mumbling something against his chest. His arms, unlike his shy voice, were very honest — wrapping around him tightly and refusing to let go.
Lord Bai Jiu held him close. “What was that?” he asked after a moment, chuckling softly when Xie Jing refused to repeat it. “Say it again. I didn’t hear.”
“…Master’s teasing me again.”
Lord Bai Jiu chuckled lowly and tightened his embrace, murmuring, “I missed you too.”
Xie Jing stayed curled up in his arms the whole way, never pulling away. Lord Bai Jiu had to lower his head each time he spoke to him. Whether it was because of the man in his arms or something else, his voice lost its usual coldness; now and then, it even softened into a laugh.
The driver in front drove silently, not daring to make a sound.
When they arrived, the driver stopped the car and quietly announced their arrival.
Xie Jing stirred a little, but Lord Bai Jiu pressed him down again, got out still holding him in his arms, and carried him into the Western-style villa.
