Chapter Twenty-Three: The Battle Rages Fiercely!

Why should I obediently play along with your act just because you want me to? Besides, I, Liu Ling’er, am not some tool in your hands for you to manipulate as you please.

Rolling her eyes at Baili Xian, Liu Ling’er mouthed words just like he had done earlier: “What’s in it for me?”

Benefits! Baili Xian was momentarily taken aback. Never before had a woman dared to so openly ask for compensation before him—this woman was certainly different from the rest.

In order to deal with the people eavesdropping on the roof, Baili Xian suppressed his irritation and whispered to Liu Ling’er, “What kind of reward do you want? If you help me act well and become my princess consort in earnest, I’ll guarantee you a life of ease and security. But if you’re after my good looks, don’t even say it—I won’t agree to that, no matter what.”

Shameless! Could you possibly be even more shameless? Who’s coveting your looks? Sure, I might have a weakness for handsome men, and you might even exceed my standards, but I’m not that desperate.

But thinking about Baili Xian’s offer, it was practically a blessing for someone who had traveled through time! If I don’t take this deal, I’d be letting myself down. Still, before agreeing, it wouldn’t hurt to extort him a little—after all, he needs my help right now.

A sly glint flashed in her eyes as Liu Ling’er turned to Baili Xian. “Alright! I have three conditions, but don’t worry—they won’t put you in a difficult position.”

Baili Xian maintained his composure, but didn’t agree immediately. “Let’s hear them. If they’re reasonable, I have no objections.”

“First, we’re not close, so from now on let’s mind our own business and not interfere in each other’s private affairs. Second, you’re a prince and must own quite a few businesses—I want two prime shops in the capital. As for the third, I haven’t thought of it yet, so I’ll keep it pending.” When Liu Ling’er finished, she looked utterly confident. Given the circumstances, Baili Xian had no choice but to agree.

Baili Xian ground his teeth in anger. To refuse was impossible, but these were clearly outrageous demands. If it were before, he would have thrown her out without a second thought, never mind letting her negotiate like this.

But to fool his imperial brother, he took a deep breath and endured. Looking at the fox-like Liu Ling’er, Baili Xian spoke, “As long as your third condition isn’t too unreasonable, the first two are acceptable. But you must continue to play along with me, not just this once and then walk away—that won’t do.”

Of course there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Miracles don’t just fall into my lap. Liu Ling’er felt a little aggrieved. “Fine! What do you need me to do now?”

She leaned in close, her breath warm against Baili Xian’s ear, especially enunciating the last two words—“play along”—with deliberate emphasis. For some reason, Baili Xian felt a strange tickling sensation in his heart.

This feeling was not good. Baili Xian shifted his chair further away. “There are two people outside sent by my imperial brother. You must help me make them believe the two of us are...”

At this point, even Baili Xian was a little embarrassed, but his expression quickly turned solemn. “...to make them believe we are consummating our marriage.”

Tch, I thought you were going to ask me to do something earth-shattering! This is nothing to me! In the modern world, Japanese films are everywhere. Even if I’ve never run with the pigs, I’ve certainly eaten pork. Besides, I’ve watched plenty of those performances by Teacher Cang. It’s not like this is the real thing—what’s there to be afraid of?

A mischievous grin spread across Liu Ling’er’s face. She grabbed Baili Xian by the collar, dragged him onto the bed, and wrapped her arms around the bedpost, rocking it back and forth.

The bed immediately began to creak and groan with ambiguous noises. The men in black hiding on the roof perked up, thinking their trip hadn’t been in vain after all!

Under Baili Xian’s stunned gaze, Liu Ling’er tore open his clothes with a flourish, all the while moaning, “Ah! Mmm! Oh! A little softer... no, harder...”

The situation was heating up fast! The two men on the roof couldn’t stand it anymore and crept down to the window, poking a small hole in the paper to peek inside. They hadn’t expected the supposedly frail Prince Xian to be so vigorous. It was just a shame the bed curtains blocked the view, but with the bed rocking so wildly, the action must be intense!

Baili Xian’s face was redder than a Fuji apple. Damn it, this woman must be his nemesis! Why did he always feel the urge to strangle her?