Chapter 89 (NEW)

Shen Fengyue had left around just after noon. The brilliant sun outside reflected off the glass windows, blinding Albert, who was examining a map for the upcoming Chana auction. Shielding his eyes, he casually asked, “Where’s Shen Fengyue? Why isn’t he back yet?”

Someone nearby checked the time and responded, “Captain, Chef Shen has been gone for over two star-turns.”

The pen Albert was using paused on the paper, leaving a concentrated ink spot from the prolonged halt.

“Go ask the innkeeper,” he ordered.

“Right away.” The man went downstairs as instructed and returned shortly. He told Albert, “Captain, the innkeeper says he never came back. However, there was talk of an abduction on Ina Street. A young woman was reportedly drugged and taken away by a man in a suit. Do you think… it could be him?”

Upon hearing this, Albert slammed his pen onto the table, cursing, “Damn it, it’s him! He’s been kidnapped for sure. Send someone to discreetly search for him.”

“If I had known earlier, I shouldn’t have let him dress as a woman,” Albert sighed deeply, regret evident in his voice. He regretted putting Shen Fengyue in that position for his own amusement, making him a target for unwanted attention from bad men. “So conspicuous.”

Seeing the captain’s remorse, one of the crew couldn’t help but admit, “Honestly, Captain, Chef Shen looked really good in that get-up. Even knowing he’s a man, it was… captivating.”

Albert gave him a fleeting glare, shutting him up immediately.

Right now, Albert’s main concern wasn’t their original plan but rather Shen Fengyue’s safety.

Inside a lavish three-story mansion…

Stirring from unconsciousness, Shen Fengyue felt the clinking and clanking of chains. When he attempted to move, the sound of chains resonated.

Clink, clatter, clatter

Realizing something was amiss, he opened his eyes fully, instantly alert, and began to assess his situation.

He estimated that he was on a lavish bed about two meters long and one and a half meters wide. A crimson velvet sheet lay beneath him, with a gold-patterned quilt piled at the foot of the bed, too far for his outstretched legs to reach.

Thick silver chains, each about the thickness of a thumb, bound him, making any movement impossible. His mouth was gagged with a clean piece of white cloth.

Taking in his surroundings, he found the bedroom opulently decorated but with overwhelmingly feminine touches. Not far from the bed was a dressing table littered with various cosmetics. A lavish carpet was laid on the floor that matched the room’s wallpaper. Two wardrobes stood against a wall; one slightly ajar, revealing elaborate western-style gowns.

This place was unfamiliar, he had never been here before. So how did he end up here?

His memories started to piece together, recalling being drugged and abducted.

Before he could ponder further, there was a sound at the door lock.

It was the sound of keys shaking as if someone had fumbled with them. Picking them up and fitting one into the lock, the door unlocked with a soft click.

The handle turned counterclockwise, and the door began to inch open from the outside. First, a highly polished leather shoe stepped through.

Shen Fengyue widened his eyes, intently observing the movements from the other side of the door.

As the gap grew larger, Andre entered from the outside. He closed the door behind him and noticed Shen Fengyue’s gaze. With a playful look in his eyes, he said, “You’re awake?”

With a cloth stuffed firmly in his mouth, Shen Fengyue naturally couldn’t reply.

Andre moved from the door towards the bed. With one fluid movement, he sat down beside him, grasping Shen Fengyue’s chained hand. He gently pressed a kiss to it and introduced himself, “My lovely miss, I am Andre Cotte. I apologize for bringing you here in such a manner.”

His mannerisms were impeccably gentlemanly, but it did little to hide the fact that he was somewhat twisted.

“MMM-MM!” Despite being gagged, Shen Fengyue’s desire to curse was evident.

You bastard dare to kidnap me? Just wait until I drop these pants, I’ll scare the daylights out of you.

Andre gently squeezed his hand, still maintaining his calm demeanor. “Don’t fret, miss. I am fond of you and would like to propose a trade.”

Leaning in, he whispered, “Now, be good. I’ll remove the cloth, but you mustn’t shout. If you do, forgive me for having to put it back.”

Shen Fengyue glared in response.

Laughing lightly, Andre took the cue as agreement and gently removed the cloth. It was damp with saliva, but without showing any disgust, he neatly folded it and placed it aside.

Just as Shen Fengyue was about to unleash a tirade, Andre’s next words completely threw him off.

His voice was soft, casual, as if discussing trivialities like breakfast options.

“How about becoming my mistress?”

“…”

“…”

“……”

After a prolonged silence, Shen Fengyue choked on his own saliva, coughing loudly. The color on his face deepened, evidently shocked by the proposal.

Andre sat still, his gaze filled with genuine affection, fixated on Shen Fengyue.

Indeed, Andre had striking eyes, soft and full of emotion, as if he were gazing upon a beloved.

Yet, Shen Fengyue felt a mix of emotions, unsure of what to say. Considering his current bound situation, he decided it was best to break the news.

He spoke loudly, emphasizing the masculinity in his voice, “Sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m actually a guy.”

Shen Fengyue puffed out his chest, showing off its flatness. And even after revealing his masculine voice, he didn’t think it was enough, so to emphasize the point further, he added, “Also, this hair? It’s a wig. Give it a tug, and it’ll come right off. Go ahead, try it.”

That should clear things up.

Shen Fengyue was ready for the show. Oh, how he relished the thought of seeing the shocked expression on this pretentious, sanctimonious man’s face when he found out that the delicate lady he’d kidnapped was actually a rugged man.

But dreams are often richer than reality, and Andre’s reaction was certainly… unexpected.

What sort of unexpected? Well, there was a moment of surprise, but it only lasted a couple of seconds. After that brief pause, Andre’s gaze transformed, becoming laced with intrigue and a hint of flirtatiousness. It was profoundly meaningful.

The emotional shift in Andre’s eyes was all too evident. Shen Fengyue, always observant, couldn’t have missed it even if he tried. Seeing Andre’s reaction, a sense of alarm suddenly welled up inside him. His plan was falling apart.

Sure enough, Andre licked his lips, lowered his voice, and with even more apparent delight declared, “Boys are even better. I think I like you even more now.” He let his gaze slide over Shen Fengyue’s bound form on the bed, letting out an ambiguous chuckle.

That laugh sent chills down Shen Fengyue’s spine, making every hair on his body stand on end.

He stared, somewhat dazedly, at the smiling Andre, realizing that this man was far from ordinary.

“Per-per-per-per-per-per-per-per-pervert!!!!!!!”

But Andre seemed unfazed. Instead, he kissed his palm, threw Shen Fengyue a sultry glance, and made a playful gesture of blowing a kiss.

Even if it wasn’t a real kiss, Shen Fengyue was deeply perturbed and deliberately turned his head away.

Andre lightly played with the chains binding Shen Fengyue, making them jingle. Then, turning to the man on the bed, he inquired, “My dear miss, I still don’t know your lovely name.”

“I’m Miss Shen,” Shen Fengyue retorted cheekily.

“Good girls shouldn’t lie,” Andre said, dropping the chain and placing a hand on Shen Fengyue’s wig. He caressed it slowly, from root to tip, without missing a strand, murmuring, “You can’t fool me.”

Just as he was about to touch Shen Fengyue’s face, the latter quickly interjected, “Shen Fengyue! My name is Shen Fengyue!”

“There’s the good boy,” Andre said, lingeringly lowering his hand, casually tossing out a compliment that was utterly insincere.

Shen Fengyue kept a poker face, silently praying for Albert to rescue him soon. Any later and his chrysanthemum might be lost.

Andre seemed eager for more conversation but was interrupted by the arrival of his butler.

From outside the door, the butler knocked thrice and announced respectfully, “Sir, another stack of documents has arrived. I’ve placed them in your study.”

Andre acknowledged with a brief nod, and the butler departed.

“My dear canary,” Andre began softly, his tone apologetic, “as much as I’d love to spend more time with you, those damned tasks keep interrupting our lovely moments.”

Shen Fengyue turned away, not wanting to see Andre’s face.

Hurry up and leave, I just feel annoyed looking at you. Once you’re gone, my captain can come rescue me.

“I’ve arranged for a few maids to attend to you. They’ll take good care of you. In the meantime, I hope you’ll consider living here with me,” Andre said, pausing briefly before adding, “Dinner will be sent to your room. If you behave well and show no intent of fleeing in the next hour, I’ll have the chains removed.”

After saying all that, he stood up to leave, but before exiting, he emphasized with a sly grin, “My dear miss, you’ll willingly become my mistress.”

In the following days, Andre flaunted his luxurious wealth to Shen Fengyue. But Shen Fengyue was naturally unimpressed. Why settle for being a miserable mistress when, as a chef, he lived a luxurious life aboard the Lone Wolf with Captain Albert?

However, thinking and acting are two different things. Being at the mercy of his captor, Shen Fengyue knew better than to act rashly. He pretended to comply.

Thankfully, Andre was not the coercive type. The days passed without incident, with Shen Fengyue being allowed to move freely within the confines of the mansion. However, wherever he went, he was shadowed by the maids to monitor him — Andre’s spies.

Damn, fucking Andre , thought Shen Fengyue, pining for his freedom and hoping that Albert would come to his rescue soon.

After about a week of this uneasy coexistence, an unexpected guest shattered the routine.

The mansion was abuzz with the guest’s presence. Andre personally received the guest in the living room. Bored, Shen Fengyue decided to eavesdrop.

Andre didn’t seem to mind his presence. In fact, he introduced Shen Fengyue to the guest and continued their conversation. It was as if he didn’t consider him a threat, allowing him to openly listen in.

Sitting on the side, Shen Fengyue idly munched on a plate of fruits, not expecting to learn anything.

However, as Andre continued to converse fluently with the guest, a name eventually dropped.

“Mr. Herman…”

Wait, what?! Herman? Is that Herman Canny?! Shen Fengyue almost choked on his fruit, stunned. How lucky could he be? Kidnapped and yet, he happened upon his mission target.

Herman Canny was quite ordinary-looking, lacking Andre’s handsome features. He had a portly figure that screamed middle age. What stood out the most was the little tuft of a mustache beneath his nose. Whenever he spoke, it would dance and flutter comically.

Listening to their conversation, Shen Fengyue gathered that Herman had come to discuss the auction event with Andre. He managed to pick up all the crucial details, including the time and location.

A plan began to form in his mind. If he could somehow get into that auction, he was bound to run into Albert and the others. Once reunited, disposing of Andre would be a piece of cake, right?

When Andre returned after seeing Herman off, Shen Fengyue expressed his desire to attend the auction.

Andre was curious at this request but unable to resist Shen Fengyue’s persistent entreaties, he relented. Besides, Andre saw the auction as a perfect opportunity to flaunt his wealth. Who knows, maybe it might even sway his captive’s heart towards him.

He definitely wouldn’t miss this chance.

Both men, with their own ulterior motives, pretended to be on the same page. On the surface, it appeared as a win-win situation.