Play has never held any appeal for me. It should be something my parents would enjoy more. I was now watching it with great interest because the companion who came to see the show with me was someone truly important to me. Besides the monotonous arias, I understood nothing at all - every ounce of attention was fixed on the girl in my arms.

Xu Chen gradually relaxed her inhibitions. No longer did she mind when my hand slipped beneath her clothes and roamed freely. Instead, her body pressed tighter against mine with each passing moment. Women are naturally alike when it comes to love - once they've decided upon their destined partner, they begin to depend on him completely.

"Pain!" I pinched Xu Chen's small nub with two fingers, causing her to cry out at my sudden pressure. She tilted her face up and asked, "Is this really so much fun? I saw you always fascinated by Su Xue and Qing Qian's chests."

I asked in confusion, "How did you know?"

Xu Chen replied, "Even when I'm drunk, your voices are loud enough that I can't help but hear. When you're asleep I've secretly looked before - don't you sleep with your head on Su Xue's chest every night?"

Su Xue and Ouyang Qing deliberately made no effort to avoid Xu Chen during their intimate moments, intending from the start to draw her into our circle. As for me, since Xu Chen had always felt right in my arms and I'd never seriously considered letting her go, I became even more reckless. Sometimes I knew she might overhear but still took no precautions.

After watching for a while, I said, "Chenchen, we don't understand the play anyway. Let's head home first?"

Xu Chen popped some sunflower seeds into my mouth and replied, "My father is at home - once we get there we can't be this way anymore or it'll be terrible. In their eyes I'm always such a well-behaved daughter. Now with things like this... it's hard to imagine."

I scooped her up in one arm while lifting the two small stools with the other, "Even obedient daughters need to marry someday. What's wrong with showing some affection once you're married? Don't you want to be my wife?"

Unexpectedly, Xu Chen didn't retreat into silence this time. She looped an arm around my waist and another around my neck, "Brother Zhao... the first time we met I secretly fell for you. The things that happened at the Agricultural Bank made it impossible to suppress these feelings any longer. Since then as you helped me escape one difficulty after another, my love only deepened. Actually Su Xue and Qian Qing have mentioned several times behind my back about including me in your harem. I never answered them because I didn't know how you felt about this... Tonight at last I can boldly declare it - Brother Zhao, I love you. Chenchen really loves you dearly."

This was exactly the commitment I needed. As long as Xu Chen loved me, I could devote myself completely to her without hesitation. A low cry of triumph echoed through the night as we spiraled together in mid-air before finally landing on the rooftop near Xu Chen's house. We lingered there entwined for a while among the stars before sneaking into her room quietly - her mother was still watching the play with Xu Cong, and I'd already scouted that Xu Fen had retired to his room.

Xu Chen whispered to me, "I'll stay up talking with you just a little longer then leave. Otherwise if my mother sees us it would be impossible to explain. After all she doesn't even know you already have dozens of girlfriends. If not for that I'd have more trouble explaining myself."

I pulled Xu Chen down onto the bed with me, "If explanations are impossible, let them be. As long as I know you love me, there's no need to worry about anything else."

Before she could protest further, I silenced her mouth completely and turned off the lights before gently unfastening her belt. The darkness made her feel more at ease - she didn't resist this time. In a short while I had removed everything but her underwear. Her breasts were already familiar territory from our earlier tree encounter, so she wasn't particularly tense there, though her hands clung tightly to the fabric of her underpants refusing to let go.

At such moments what women need most is sweet words to ease their fears. First times are always accompanied by anxiety - after all, twenty years of carefully guarded treasure being suddenly taken away must naturally cause some reluctance.

"Chenchen, please loosen your hands a little," I coaxed while kissing her from the lips down past her ears and onto her chest. When my mouth closed around her nub Xu Chen could no longer maintain her defenses - her hands fell limp to her sides as she let out increasingly erotic moans with each kiss. The underwear slipped away silently, everything unfolding perfectly.

I positioned myself over her body, finally breaking through the last barrier after some careful exploration. Fortunately Xu Chen didn't react strongly beyond that initial moment - perhaps she also feared disturbing Xu Fen in the next room, keeping her sounds deliberately subdued. But this certainly didn't hinder our passion; premarital sex especially a first-time experience is almost always carried out furtively.

Given Xu Chen's slender frame, I took it easy for those first few minutes and dared not push all the way in completely. However as her body gradually became lubricated and her own desire grew, I was finally able to move more freely inside her. Xu Chen's initial shyness faded with each motion until she began responding appropriately - a classic case of perfect synchronization.

Xu Chen's introverted nature had much to do with her upbringing. Had she grown up in Fang Yan Meng's kind of family environment, I believe she would share that openness and boldness. Now with someone solidly supporting her there was no reason not to let go completely. After all she loved me - even less reason to hesitate.

After several minutes Xu Chen became as uninhibited as the rest of my partners, "Brother Zhao... may I now call you husband? Before this I always envied Su Xue and Qian Qian calling you that way..."

I rolled over so she was cradled in my arms with my hands under her bottom to lift her up for easier movement. "Chenchen wife, from now on there's no need to envy them anymore because starting right at this moment you've officially joined their ranks. Once I finish these matters I must return to Longteng University for classes. Every night I'll stay in your dormitory - I'm sure the three of you can handle my presence together."

Xu Chen closed her eyes, letting her hair fly around as she moaned repeatedly, "Husband... husband... husband..." repeating it several times consecutively as if making up for all those lost opportunities. "But husband, you can't stay in our dorm every night or the other older sisters will get angry."

Even at such a time Xu Chen still remembered to be considerate - this meant future family life would likely remain harmonious without jealousy-related conflicts. Exactly the situation I'd hoped for.

Xu Chen let out two full-bodied sighs, her fingers firmly interlacing with mine as her lower body continued contracting rhythmically. I knew she was reaching climax when a woman's first time is always especially tender, so I pulled her off my body and held her close beneath the blanket to rest.

Her lips had become somewhat dry - she used her tongue to moisten them slightly before saying, "Brother Zhao haven't you enjoyed enough yet? I can come again if you want. Let me experience what you've given Su Xue and Qing Qian."

Actually at this moment I was in no rush. Since Xu Chen had now officially joined my household, there would be plenty of opportunities to play later. If we got too carried away tonight she might feel unwell tomorrow. Even without worrying about her parents noticing something odd, it was the Lantern Festival - if she needed an extra day's rest on the bed it wouldn't be ideal.

"This is your first time in life - don't spend too long with heavy stimulation or you'll suffer tomorrow," I said while holding her to sleep. "We have plenty of opportunities for future encounters."

"Mm," Xu Chen purred as she curled up against me, a deep sense of happiness infecting my heart without warning. I couldn't help but kiss her forehead.

"Oh no! My mother is coming back soon - I need to go sleep elsewhere!" Xu Chen suddenly struggled out of my arms.

I pulled her back down immediately, "Chenchen, you should tell your mother the truth now. We don't need to keep it secret anymore. You're capable now of bringing your parents to Beijing together with you. No longer let them suffer here. Xu Jing mentioned before New Year that you'd contributed all the profits from Star Studio - I was too busy then to visit personally, but Xu Jing has already transferred the accounts back to you directly. Star Studio is your hard work's reward. Consider it a gift from me as well if it helps?"

Xu Chen nodded. The relationship dynamics had changed entirely now that they were husband and wife - naturally she could accept this without difficulty since it was her husband's thoughtful gesture, especially since the company would ultimately bear his surname after all. As just another woman of the Zhao family there was no need to overanalyze ownership.

A loud creaking sound from a door followed by heavy footfalls coming upstairs made Xu Chen dart into my arms like startled kitten. Confessing everything directly to her mother proved extremely difficult - she had always been an introverted girl and exceptionally obedient in front of parents. Now lying in the arms of a man with whom she'd shared intimacy was practically impossible to explain.

"Don't be afraid," I comforted, "Your mother doesn't know we're already back yet. Once she's asleep there'll be no problem at all. We can just get up early tomorrow and everything will be fine."

Xu Chen gave me a tiny nod in my ear, "My mother always strictly monitored my interactions with male classmates before. If she knew we've... well you know what I mean, she might even hit me!"

I said, "Impossible! Don't you think as minister-level cadre at least some respect is due?"

Xu Chen laughed, "No matter how high your rank remains just her son-in-law isn't it?"

I watched through the wall as Xu Fen was paying close attention to our room's movements. However with the lights out in there and no sign of people inside she couldn't be certain. After sending Xu Cong back to his room she came up to Xu Chen's door, gently pushing on it when it wouldn't budge. Then she knocked twice more.

"Chenchen are you home? Is Xiao Zhao still in there?"

"What do I do! What do I do!" Xu Chen panicked and asked me frantically. Now that the door was locked from inside pretending to be out wasn't an option anymore.

"Just let out a sound," I suggested, "Either tell her you're sleeping over at a friend's house or have her come in for a direct confession - either way it'll happen eventually. Letting your mother know you've become my wife will only strengthen their willingness to move with us to Beijing."

Though usually quiet Xu Chen wasn't without her own opinions. At this critical moment my reminder made her suddenly jump up and grab a nightgown, "I'm going out to explain everything to my mother - once it's done I believe she'll stop interfering." Classic case of acting first and asking questions later.

Xu Fen hadn't heard any response from inside the room so she assumed we were both asleep. Just as she was turning around back toward her own room, the light suddenly came on followed by a creaking sound as Xu Chen with disheveled hair and flushed face emerged in her nightgown.

Xu Fen looked startled, "Chenchen you're here? I thought Xiao Zhao might be sleeping inside. Oh wait where is he? You can't have let him sleep outside! How could such an undisciplined child not show basic manners?"

Xu Chen stood firm and replied, "Mother, Brother Zhao is still sleeping in there. There's something I need to tell you."

Xu Fen was stunned beyond words. As a woman of experience she understood immediately what her daughter's flushed complexion indicated combined with the revelation that someone had indeed slept in her room. Her child had grown so bold now!

"Chenchen! How could you do such things... I know you've always liked Xiao Zhao but our family can't possibly match his social status. This will only harm yourself! What a foolish girl."

Xu Fen wanted to scold her daughter fiercely, but considering the man in question's contribution to their political situation she suspected this might be more about gratitude than romance. However wealthy and powerful men often proved unreliable regarding long-term stability so for her daughter's future she couldn't simply ignore it.

"No Mother, I truly love Brother Zhao and he loves me too. He will give me happiness. You must believe in our feelings! Once tomorrow comes Brother Zhao will arrange for us all to move to Beijing together - one, it'll make treating your condition easier; two, the environment there would be much better for Xiao Du's development. Mother I'm an adult now and have my own views about romantic matters. Please try to understand."

If not for this special man in her daughter's room Xu Fen might have stormed in and beaten him up regardless of whether he wanted to marry the girl or not. To secretly sleep with a daughter behind parents' backs was simply unacceptable. But since the deed was already done, the rice had turned into porridge so arguing further would serve no purpose. She sighed deeply before opening her door again.

It seemed mother hadn't forgiven her yet. Xu Chen stood there uncertainly in front of the door for moment before I got up and carried her back to bed. The narrow mattress forced us to hold each other tightly together.

Xu Chen's mood was downcast, "Mother is angry now Brother Zhao what should we do?"

I comforted her, "Don't worry - eventually I'll prove through actions that your choice is the right one. Everything will get better."

"Mm... Mother will surely discuss this with Father tonight. If only we could secretly listen in on their conversation and have some psychological preparation..."

"That's easy," I said, "I just hope they don't talk about something embarrassing themselves."

Xu Chen lightly pinched me, "Impossible! Your father has a bad leg so he won't be as... lustful as you. Besides Xiao Cong is sleeping with them anyway."

Xu Fenhui sat on the bed in her room silently after returning. Xu Fu had already woken up and couldn't help asking when he saw his wife's expression, "Dear are you troubled? Why such a sad face? Now that Chenchen has achieved so much what do you have to worry about anyway? Once my legs are healed we won't need anything else."

Xu Fen replied, "That's precisely why I'm worried. Do you know she's already slept with Xiao Zhao?"

Xu Fu was stunned speechless for a moment before Xu Fen continued, "Since the rice is already cooked into porridge what can I do? Beat our child up? Even though she's our daughter now and also over 100 employees' general manager we cannot embarrass her too much. For men it doesn't matter but for women it's unfair treatment. What if Xiao Zhao eventually decides he no longer likes Chenchen? After all as an important official he will surely meet many other beautiful girls. Although our Chenchen is pretty, she still comes from a peasant family and can never compare to those city girls."

Xu Fu replied, "You're overthinking this. I believe Xiao Zhao is a good man who won't deceive Chenchen."

Xu Fen sighed, "Ahh... in matters of the heart there's no distinction between good or bad people! Our daughter belongs to the Xu family - what do you suggest? Also our Chenchen mentioned that tomorrow we'll move to Beijing with her. How do you feel about this?"

To everyone's surprise Xu Fu laughed out loud, "That would be excellent news! Tigers have cubs but no dogs... Our Xu family has produced an exceptional daughter indeed. In the village how many girls could send their parents to live in the city? We should celebrate!"

Xu Cong suddenly shot up from under his blanket, "Father, Mother - are we really moving to the city? Does that mean I can go to the amusement park and game centers every day?"

Xu Fen gave her son a slap on the bottom, "Go back to sleep! Adults are talking so children shouldn't eavesdrop."

Xu Cong protested, "I wasn't eavesdropping - you were just too loud!"

After turning off the lights both parents sat in silence for quite some time before finally Xu Fu said, "Each generation has its own destiny. We shouldn't worry unnecessarily about these things. Our daughter is already 22 years old and should find herself a good

As night fell, more villagers stepped onto the streets. There were no dragon dances or lantern festivals—only children scattering fireworks into the dark sky. When our stall began lighting them up, we quickly drew a crowd of onlookers. Before long someone else had taken over the pyrotechnics entirely, so I simply slipped an arm around Xu Chen's waist and stood aside to enjoy the show.

The grand fireworks bloomed in the heavens like clusters of radiant flowers. Looking upward at the starscape, Xu Chen murmured beside me, "Big Brother Zhao, I'm the happiest person on Earth right now. Shall we call Su Xue and Qian Qian? Let them share our joy too."

"Sure thing. Use my phone,"

"No way! That'd out us both. Don't say a word or get in frame." Xu Chen quickly activated video chat with Su Xue, who apparently also enjoyed the fireworks display from her more affluent city's better selection of pyrotechnics. Xu Chen moved away slightly and said into the screen, "Su Xue, look! Our village has firework shows too."

Su Xue chuckled, "Of course. He can't help but spoil you."

Xu Chen blushed, "What are you implying?"

"Cut the innocent act," Su Xue teased, her gaze catching that telltale rosy hue in Xu Chen's cheeks. "Confess - did my husband do something with you last night? Oh, make it 'our' husband."

"You-how?" Xu Chen gasped, completely stunned. She'd been with me every second since yesterday and I hadn't communicated at all with Su Xue via call or text.

Su Xue smirked, "Your little brother asked for your home address the night before last. And Qian Qian mentioned he didn't return to celebrate Lantern Festival at all today. If nothing happened between you two during that time, go ahead and hit me."

Xu Chen protested, "There really was nothing! My parents are right here!"

"Your own husband's habits don't elude me," Su Xue countered. "Keep denying it if you want - when we return to campus tomorrow Qian Qian and I'll be checking your hymen ourselves."

Xu Chen stuck stubbornly to her story, "There really was nothing! Don't believe us? Big Brother Zhao come here! Su Xue knows where you are now!"

I seized Xu Chen's waist from behind, causing her to leap sideways in surprise. Su Xue cackled over the video feed, "Did your brother enjoy it last night? What was that A-cupped firmness like? Qian Qian and I used to fondle those beauties ourselves."

Xu Chen hastily covered the phone speaker, exclaiming, "Stop speaking nonsense! We'll discuss this tomorrow when we return to Beijing."

Su Xue relented, "Alright. This square here's swarming with people too for a proper chat. Let me call Qian Qian - make it three-way tonight and finally settle my lingering anxiety with my dear sister."

I took Xu Chen's phone from her and asked Su Xue, "How can you be so certain we didn't do anything last night?"

Su Xue purred, "Don't pretend, honey. I asked Sister Liu Ying who confirmed you never returned home that evening - and for these past weeks you've touched no one else! If nothing happened between you two last night... well, I might as well become a Buddhist nun!"

With Su Xue's piercing insight laid bare before me, I simply swept Xu Chen into my arms toward the video feed. "No more secrets from you - we did it thrice..."

Xu Chen snatched the phone and ended the call with a sharp "Goodbye!" then groaned, "I'm doomed, Big Brother Zhao! She'll interrogate me relentlessly tomorrow night."

"Then be honest," I advised as I handed her my video recordings of Su Xue and Qingqing. "Watch them first to avoid getting caught in lies later."

"I wouldn't dare show those!" she wailed, flailing against me. "All your fault! All of it!"

I pulled Xu Chen toward home, declaring, "First let me tell you about her two sisters' little secrets. Come on - let the crowd continue their firework show while we enjoy ours from upstairs."

Xu Chen knew exactly what awaited inside, yet followed me anyway up those stairs... and when the door closed behind us, we embraced tightly... As fireworks blazed in the night sky...

Time moves forward relentlessly. At that very moment along China's southern border with India, tensions were already rising like storm clouds. Though diplomacy was supposedly underway, both sides had massed heavy troops - neither could guarantee the outcome if territorial lines remained unresolved. Dragon State couldn't afford further delays. Once Bovinia seized more territory beyond sixty years of occupation, by convention it would officially become their legal domain. Now was finally time to settle old debts.