A Time-Traveling Zombie Romance (GL) - Chapter 16

The next morning, I was awakened by a servant summoned by Zhang Ming. I went to Zhang Ming’s study, where he explained many matters to me. Among them, I learned that the largest restaurant in the capital, Mingyue Tower, was also under Zhang Ming’s management. It was said that Zhang Ming’s influence was vast: he had cloth shops, taverns, pawnshops, and money exchanges spread across the entire Yuguo, and even in the neighboring three countries to some extent. I was utterly shocked and could hardly believe it.

This time, Zhang Ming had called me to teach me how to manage and operate all these businesses so that in the future I could take charge of them all. After the lesson, he handed me a white, gold-glimmering jade pendant called the “Golden Jade Qilin.” He explained that even this small pendant represented ownership of one-third of Zhang Ming’s entire fortune.

I had no choice—today was going to be busy. I touched the “Golden Jade Qilin” around my neck and forced a small smile.

Suddenly, I saw Yun Xi chatting with Siqing and quickly walked over.

“Senior Sister, Qing’er!” I called out happily.

“Junior Brother!”

“Brother!” Both of them were excited to see me and quickly came to my side.

“What are you doing here?” I asked with a smile.

“We were just discussing tomorrow’s Lantern Festival,” Siqing said happily.

“The Lantern Festival is tomorrow?” I asked in surprise.

“Yes, Junior Brother,” Yun Xi said lightly, smiling.

“Junior Brother, are you free today?” Yun Xi suddenly asked.

“Why, Senior Sister?” I asked curiously.

Yun Xi fidgeted a little and said, “Nothing… I just wanted to invite you out today.”

I froze. “Senior Sister, I’m sorry, I’m not free today.”

“Then… never mind,” Yun Xi said, disappointed.

“One shouldn’t let Senior Sister invite me out! It should be the other way around. Hehe, may I have the honor of inviting you, beautiful ladies, to join me for the Lantern Festival tomorrow?” I said as I performed a gentlemanly gesture.

Yun Xi’s eyes lit up, and she nodded, “Yes.”

Siqing immediately called out, “Brother, I want to go too! I want to go!”

“Hehe, very well. Qing’er will come, so Brother will take you both,” I said with a smile.

“Then it’s settled, Senior Sister, Qing’er. I have things to attend to now, so I’ll take my leave.” With that, I left with Xiao Wu and Xiao Liu and headed out of the Wangfu. Today, I planned to visit Mingyue Tower first.

Arriving at Mingyue Tower, I couldn’t help but marvel. This restaurant was a story or two taller than Zui Meng Ge, though the building itself wasn’t as large. It truly was the largest and finest restaurant in the capital. Outside, people came and went constantly, and inside, the seats were packed. Business was obviously thriving.

I smiled faintly, holding my folding fan as I entered. Inside, everyone was discussing the latest sensation: “The sudden proposal by the Third Prince’s heir to transfer water from the south to the north has pleased the Emperor greatly.”

I smiled, touching my nose.

A young waiter came forward, “Please this way, young master. What would you like to order?” He led me to an empty table with great courtesy.

“Bring several of your signature dishes and some of the finest daughter’s red wine. Also, summon your manager,” I said lazily.

The waiter nodded eagerly at the first half, but when he heard the second half, he froze. “Sir, may I ask why you need the manager? He’s quite busy right now.”

“Just summon him. Here, a silver coin as a tip.” I poured a little silver onto the table and sipped my tea.

The waiter’s eyes lit up at the silver. “Thank you, young master. I will fetch the manager immediately. Your dishes will arrive shortly.”

“Go ahead,” I said. I was seated by the window, overlooking the busy street.

Soon, the manager arrived—a man in his forties with a beard and ordinary looks.

“May I ask what business brings you here, young master?” he asked respectfully.

Without further words, I showed him the “Golden Jade Qilin” around my neck. The manager immediately asked, “Young master, may I ask who you are?”

“I am Zhang Xiaoqi,” I said quietly.

“Oh, young master! Forgive my oversight.” The manager bowed further in respect.

I asked a few questions: “What’s your name? How much wealth does my father control?”

“My lord, I am Qin Tian. Your father’s total assets amount to three billion sixty-two million taels… of gold,” Qin Tian slowly replied.

I was stunned. Over three billion taels—what a staggering sum! At first, I thought he meant silver, but he clarified gold. I drew a sharp breath, thinking of the mountains of gold.

Qin Tian continued, “The total assets keep increasing. According to the latest report, the total has reached three billion one hundred fifty-nine million taels of gold.”

I felt dizzy. What a terrifying number! Nearly a hundred million taels of gold added in mere minutes. I pressed my temples, saying, “Alright, you may leave now.”

“Yes, young master. If there’s anything else, do not hesitate to instruct me,” Qin Tian said.

After Qin Tian left, the waiters brought seven or eight dishes—varied and dazzling. He specifically instructed them to serve me well.

I poured a small cup of daughter’s red, inhaled its aroma—fragrant, mellow, spicy, and sweet—then sipped. The flavor lingered, warming my chest. Truly fine wine, I thought with delight.

I spent the afternoon slowly eating, drinking, and watching the bustling restaurant. The sun set, darkness crept in, yet the crowd inside only grew louder.

When the time felt right, I left five taels of silver as payment and headed toward Zui Meng Ge.

It was as lively as the previous day. Upon entering, the madam immediately saw me and said, swaying her hips, “Ah, young master Zhang! Dream Hui said you may go straight to her room.”

The strong scent of makeup made me step back a few paces. I bowed, saying, “Young master here.”

The crowd’s envious, jealous, and hateful gazes followed me—but I ignored them. I reached the third floor, preparing to go to the fourth, when I heard commotion from one of the rooms.

Inside, a weak woman was crying, and a rough male voice was cursing. Curious, I approached. Less than three meters away, the door burst open.

A partially dressed man threw a young, fair-skinned woman, clad only in undergarments, out of the room. Her chest was exposed, and her body bore bruises and bite marks. She curled up on the ground, crying.

The man kicked her, yelling, “You came to this brothel and still act virtuous? Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. You may scream all you want, but today, you sell yourself!”

“I beg you, sir! I really don’t want to sell myself!” the girl cried, grabbing his leg.

The man grabbed her head and said, “Even if you refuse today, you’ll still sell yourself! I’ve spent so much money on you, and it won’t be wasted!” He kicked her again.

Furious, I stepped forward, draping my coat over her and gently pulling her behind me. I faced the man, saying, “Sir, if she doesn’t wish to, why force her? Aren’t they human too? Why consider them inferior?”

“You little brat, who do you think you are to lecture me? Don’t you know your place? People like them are born lowly,” he spat.

I frowned. “In my eyes, everyone is equal, regardless of rank or wealth.”

“You’re too bold! Today, I’ll teach you a lesson for meddling.” He lunged at me. I dodged and kicked him in return. Within a minute, he was on the ground, crying and begging for mercy.

“Don’t let me see you again. Now get lost,” I glared at him.

Turning, I noticed the girl’s exposed chest, and awkwardly cleared my throat. I handed her one hundred taels, saying, “Use this to redeem yourself. The rest, start a small business.”

She knelt, tears in her eyes. “Young master, I can never repay your kindness, but I hope in the next life I can meet and repay you.”

“Please stand. It’s nothing. I’ll leave now.” I helped her up and left gracefully without looking back.

As I walked upstairs, I saw Dream Hui quietly observing.

“Dream Hui,” I greeted.

“Xiaoqi, come with me,” she said calmly.

I followed her into her room.

“Hehe, Xiaoqi, you are truly different,” Dream Hui said, walking to her bed.

“Uh…” I asked, feeling slightly dizzy from her fragrance.

“Xiaoqi, why are you just standing there?” she asked with a blank expression.

“Ah?! Oh, I’m coming,” I responded. Mishearing her, I thought she said, “Xiaoqi, come here,” and rushed toward her—but tripped and fell onto the bed with her.

Suddenly, the room was silent except for our racing hearts. We were less than four centimeters apart. Dream Hui’s long black hair, delicate face, big eyes, and small mouth—everything about her captivated me.

She blushed, biting her lip. My gaze was drawn to her lips, and I leaned closer, my mind filled only with her.

Dream Hui sensed my movement, her heart racing faster.

Just as we were about to nearly kiss, the door opened. Qing Yang ran in, shouting, “Sister Dream, has that stingy one come… ah!!! You two…”

Startled, I quickly pulled back. “I’m sorry! I overstepped,” I said.

Dream Hui, still blushing, regained her usual calm demeanor, colder than usual.

“You… you stingy one! You kissed Sister Dream without inviting me? I want to kiss too!” Qing Yang charged at me, pinning me on the bed and wrapping her arms around my neck, pressing her lips to mine.

“You… mmph!” I stammered.

Her agile tongue forced me into confusion. Her hand roamed inside my clothing. I pushed her off, finally realizing it was Qing Yang, not Shan.

“Y-you… I…” I hastily dressed and jumped up.

Dream Hui had moved aside, calmly tending to her guzheng.

“I… I’m sorry, Dream Hui. I’ll leave now,” I said, rushing off.

“Hehe, that stingy one left quickly, but his lips were really sweet…” Qing Yang said.

“I won’t give up on him,” she added, and ran off.

Dream Hui shook her head helplessly.

I ran back, bathed quickly, and buried myself under the covers, my mind filled with both Dream Hui and Qing Yang. I felt utterly conflicted…