Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Leng Zixing and Lai Shangrong had been traveling for a long, dusty journey, and they were finally nearing the capital. Suddenly, Leng Zixing's eyes flashed, and an idea came to his mind. He smiled and said to Lai Shangrong, "Brother Lai, we've been traveling for so long, and we're only two days away from the Jia Mansion. Why don't we go ashore today and have a few drinks and relax? Then I'll pick out some gifts for you. That way, when we get to the Jia Mansion, you can propose marriage!"

Lai Shangrong listened to Leng Zixing's words and thought they made sense. He had been thinking about how to express his feelings to Jia Min the whole way, and now he heard Leng Zixing's suggestion and agreed happily. So, the two decided to go ashore and find an inn to enjoy a relaxing and pleasant time.

When they reached the shore, they found a bustling array of taverns and inns, flanked by scantily clad women. Leng Zixing and Lai Shangrong reluctantly followed the women's lead into a decent-looking restaurant, where they ordered a sumptuous meal. Over their drinks, they exchanged ideas and plans.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Leng Zixing's eyes became blurry. He looked at the handsome Lai Shangrong in front of him and suddenly felt jealous.

"Brother Lai, you said that Jia Min, the eldest daughter of the Jia family, is very much favored by Old Madam Jia! If you marry her, you will enjoy endless wealth and glory!" Leng Zixing said sourly.

Lai Shangrong could naturally hear the jealousy in his words, but he didn't point it out. Instead, he responded with a mocking smile, "Brother Leng, please don't make fun of me. I went to the Jia Mansion this time just to express my love to Miss Jia Min and reunite our family. I'm not greedy for any glory or wealth."

"Oh? Really?" Leng Zixing narrowed his eyes and asked with some doubt, "Then you know that the Jia family is a famous and prestigious family. Not just anyone can marry into their family. How can you be sure that Miss Jia Min will fall in love with you?"

Lai Shangrong smiled wickedly and said, "Jia Min is already pregnant with my child. She hasn't aborted the baby yet, which means she has me in her heart! After all, true love is invincible!"

These words resonated like thunder in Leng Zixing's ears, leaving him speechless for a moment, and a look of embarrassment appeared on his face. Meanwhile, Lai Shangrong's mouth curled up slightly, his heart filled with pride.

Leng Zixing laughed heartily: "What a true love that is invincible! Then I wish you good luck! But... I have to remind you that people's hearts are unpredictable in this capital city, so you must be careful not to be deceived." After that, the two of them started drinking together again. Lai Shangrong smiled confidently, picked up the glass and drank it all.

"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Leng. I know my limits."

At this time, Lai Shangrong had already made a plan in his mind.

He believed that as long as he could successfully enter the Jia Mansion, he would be able to win Jia Min's heart with his talent and charm.

By then, he will be able to become the son-in-law of the Jia family and enjoy endless glory and wealth.

At this thought, Lai Shangrong couldn't help but rub his hands together excitedly, his lips curling up uncontrollably. He raised his glass, clinked it with Leng Zixing's, and drank it all in one gulp. As each drink flowed, their spirits grew, and they began to savor this wonderful moment to the fullest. They chatted and laughed, their laughter overflowing.

Before he knew it, Lai Shangrong was completely drunk, slumped limply on the table. At this moment, Leng Zixing's previously dazed eyes suddenly sharpened. He staggered to his feet and walked steadily out the door. Once outside, he whispered to the waiter, "Go get a girl, a pretty one." Then he turned and went back inside, closing the door behind him.

Leng Zixing returned to his seat and pulled out a packet of white powder from his pocket. He poured it into a cup and added some water. He then stirred the contents of the cup thoroughly and held it before Lai Shangrong. He then pinched Lai Shangrong's mouth open and poured the liquid mixed with the white powder into his mouth.