Chapter 89
Thuong Tung Welcomes Guests
The employees of Thuong Tung Company have seven days off. Thuong Tung, Dang Khong, Vo Than, and Hyena achieve the greatest results, so these four names are prioritized for a two-week relaxation. Vo Than goes traveling. Dang Khong invites Thuong Tung and Hyena to his house for drinks.
Dang Khong sips his beer, glancing at Hyena, who is chewing food. The way its mouth chews is crude, occasionally emitting grunting sounds like a wild beast. Its hands and feet sometimes violently tear apart the roast chicken, yet at other times clumsily handle dishes requiring delicate movements, such as shucking clams, removing fish bones, or peeling crab shells.
It scratches its head and ears, utterly confused, frowning like a child. For a long while, it does not know what to do and has to turn to Thuong Tung for help. The blond guy laughs out loud, pats the beast's head, acting like a devoted father, making Dang Khong almost choke on his beer.
Thuong Tung shucks the clams, separates the crab shell, extracts the meat and roe into a bowl for Hyena, and holds up a handful of raw vegetables before its eyes:
- Go to the garden and pick some more leaves for me.
Hyena nods and leaves immediately. Thuong Tung takes a sip of beer:
- Years ago, my subordinates and I were on a mission in the forests of the Gentleman Kingdom. A reconnaissance report said someone was keeping a child in a cage like an animal; the two lived like savages. I did not believe that in this civilized age, such absurd and barbaric things still existed. But when I personally went to check, I found Hyena with a chain around its neck, being led by a man to hunt wild animals. I felt extremely indignant at such inhumane conduct; without asking the reason, I immediately struck down the barbarian and rescued the boy.
Thuong Tung angrily squeezes the beer can until it dents:
- That brute was Hyena's biological father. He was a gambling addict who even sold his wife to settle debts. Old habits die hard; the more he gambled, the more he lost. Hunted by gang creditors, he took the child into the forest to evade debt. The coward was afraid to die and hid in the forest, not daring to show his face. Every day he forced his son to hunt as a hound and kept him like a caged animal, stripped him of his humanity, seeing himself as an animal rather than a human.
Thuong Tung sighs heavily:
- I have tried everything to help it find its humanity again, but the "animal" part has already occupied most of its soul. Sigh, he was too young that year, but…
Dang Khong closely follows every word he utters. Thuong Tung's display of sadness, pain, and anger perfectly fits his warm, gentlemanly character—always listening, always understanding… and… of course, hating evil to the core.
The blond guy does not overact, but plays this role exceptionally well. Dang Khong realizes that Thuong Tung ordered Hyena to pick leaves to avoid touching its pain. That animal still has humanity, but perhaps only one percent remains. Thuong Tung expresses his determination to restore Hyena's nature.
- How old was Hyena that year?
Thuong Tung did not expect Dang Khong to care about others. The silent fellow shrugs:
- Just curious.
Thuong Tung smiles meaningfully:
- The same age as Luu Ly...
Dang Khong raises his eyebrows; Thuong Tung is surprised that this silent name reveals his emotions. He turns back to the gate, eyes widening; Hyena is staring at the image of Luu Ly on the TV. Thuong Tung has never seen this beast focus so intently on anything other than food and prey. Thuong Tung gently pats its hand. Hyena starts and hands over a handful of leaves.
It sits cross-legged, gnawing on the unfinished food, occasionally tilting its head, watching the little girl in the frame laughing radiantly, teasing the naughty boy Kim Thai Duong, then lowers its head and continues gnawing.
- Boss, who is Luu Ly?
Whenever Thuong Tung mentions someone, Hyena asks with curiosity. The blond guy still feels this beast is somewhat different. He glances at Dang Khong, and the silent fellow shrugs his shoulders as if to say:
"You are the master and yet find it hard to understand; I am an outsider, so I have no way of knowing."
Thuong Tung curls his lips and pretends to put his hand on the remote, turning off the TV. The beast is stunned, staring in confusion at the silent screen, then turns to Thuong Tung, frowning like a child who hasn't finished watching a cartoon. Thuong Tung laughs, turns the TV back on, and lets the beast continue watching the most vivid and realistic "animated" movie.
Dang Khong looks at Hyena, who is as happy as a child, and realizes that its soul was permanently frozen before it completely turned into an animal. It may never be able to grow up… or… it simply doesn't want to… in order to… forget the dark past.
Thuong Tung scratches his head, muttering something. Dang Khong guesses this "gentleman" is cursing; even a man who is always polite must resort to crudeness to relieve his inner restlessness.
Dang Khong remains as indifferent as ever, regardless of whether Thuong Tung is being sincere or fake. The "gentleman" also doesn't care how the other evaluates him. The blond guy smiles at the beast:
- Ah, Luu Ly is Mr. JK's little angel!
In the presence of a third party, Thuong Tung always praises and worships JK. This answer also piques Hyena's curiosity. Dang Khong looks nonchalantly at the foolish beast as it asks in bewilderment:
- What is an angel?
Thuong Tung laughs and pats the animal's head:
- If you have the chance to meet Luu Ly in the future, you will understand. Do you want to meet an angel?
The beast nods, its teeth still tearing at that piece of meat. Thuong Tung laughs heartily:
- Oh, you are truly clever.
Thuong Tung is looking for an excuse to get close to the Princess and her daughter. Dang Khong's gaze, usually quiet, suddenly flickers slightly. Thuong Tung grows more excited; he cheers and continues drinking and eating heavily with Dang Khong until late at night, when all three lie drunk on the floor, asleep. Snoring echoes throughout the house. Dang Khong opens his eyes slightly, his pupils slowly turning toward Thuong Tung and the servant.
Confirming both are drunk, he immediately stands up, gathering internal energy in two fingers, emitting a glow the color of fresh food. He waves his hand several times—horizontal, vertical, straight, diagonal—drawing the image of a gluttonous demon surrounding Hyena. The beast's body glows to the sound of Dang Khong's murmured incantations.
His pigeon-like eyes distort into snake eyes, and his eyeballs turn the color of a dark hell. The silent fellow points his left hand directly at Hyena's mouth, which reeks of meat and alcohol, while his right hand burns the charm depicting infinite food with fiery energy.
Air flows past the edges of the lips, lingers around the mouth, tightens the esophagus, and flows down to the stomach, causing it to expand. The gluttonous demon in the drawing opens its bottomless maw, laughing with a 'ge-ge' sound of excitement, waiting for a gluttonous feast.
The shadow of the gluttonous demon ghost vanishes. Dang Khong turns to Thuong Tung. He mobilizes other internal energy, his two fingers emitting a red light, drawing the image of a lustful female ghost surrounding Thuong Tung. The blond guy's entire body radiates deep red and erotic pink light.
Dang Khong burns the charm and recites the mantra; every word, every syllable seeps into Thuong Tung's mind, deep into his dark heart, and takes root in his erect lower body… as if… he is enjoying a swarm of beautiful butterflies flirting and caressing him.
The female ghost emits an endless, lewd laugh, dancing a dance of wild lust atop Thuong Tung's lower body. Wild eyes gleam with pleasure, admiring the mark of burning lust on Thuong Tung's forehead.
The fire of desire slowly turns into red gas, penetrating deep into the lecherous gentleman's brain. It looks up, its worship for Dang Khong surpassing even that for the gods:
"Congratulations, Master, on completing the first step of the great plan!"
Dang Khong remains expressionless in the face of praise, coldly watching the ghost shadow melt into nothingness. Having completed the ghost-sacrificing ritual, Dang Khong withdraws his mana. The overwhelming colors of lust and greed gradually recede, and the space restores its usual silence and normalcy, returning to the sanctuary that Thuong Tung regards as his second home.
***
Early the next morning, Hyena suffers from severe abdominal pain, his body drenched in cold sweat. Thuong Tung and Dang Khong rush him to Benevolence Hospital. After an examination, the doctor concludes that Hyena must be hospitalized for long-term treatment to be fully cured. The Hospital President expresses concern:
- The problem is that this patient is too freakishly abnormal; I'm afraid…
Thuong Tung smiles:
- Oh, don't worry. He just has a fierce appearance, but he's actually very gentle. As long as no one provokes him, everyone will be safe. If you're uneasy, I'll send men to monitor him.
The Hospital President demands that Thuong Tung sign a commitment letter, assuming all responsibility and compensating for any potential losses the hospital might incur. The "gentleman" promptly signs with polite ease. Seeing The Hospital President still hesitating, Thuong Tung smiles faintly:
- I will pay four times the hospital fees.
A large sum of money immediately buys "trust." The Hospital President speaks in a 'reluctant' tone:
- Three days. If everything remains calm after three days, I will accept his hospitalization.
Thuong Tung expresses his gratitude. He and Dang Khong stay at the hospital for three days. Hyena continues to behave normally; this beast is as docile as a puppy and shows no signs of discomfort, as long as enough food is delivered to his mouth for three meals a day. The doctor officially agrees to the hospitalization.
After saying goodbye, Thuong Tung visits the sleeping Hyena and instructs his subordinates to watch carefully; they bow their heads in obedience. Subsequently, Thuong Tung and Dang Khong leave the hospital and take a taxi to the airport, flying to the central region to handle backlogged company business and conveniently visit the place where Dang Khong first met Thuong Tung for the second time.
The two travel from dawn until dusk. Both Thuong Tung and Dang Khong have a slight buzz from drinking, so they slow down their motorcycles. On the way back to the hotel, they see a man supporting a woman wearing a mask; she coughs from time to time. The man speaks with a tender tone and makes gentle, attentive gestures. At first glance, Thuong Tung thinks they are a married couple or lovers in a deep relationship.
The girl steals a glance at Thuong Tung with eyes full of fear and anticipation. Everything happens within just two seconds; Thuong Tung and Dang Khong realize she is seeking help.
Thuong Tung's company always avoids entanglement with suspicious groups. The other party are complete strangers. The two men assess and conclude that this is definitely not a trap. Even if it were, they have the confidence to thwart it. If the rescue is successful, the reputation of Thuong Tung's company, and especially the JK Corporation, will soar. Most importantly, he must use this act of chivalry to... decorate... his heroic image as a polite gentleman.
Dang Khong supports this opportunity to bring prestigious acclaim to the JK Corporation. Thuong Tung sneers inwardly; this silent guy's pursuit of fame and fortune is no less than that of Vo Than. After all, no one can escape the arena of vanity.
The two maintain a safe distance, silently tailing the vehicle. With years of tracking experience, they use superb stealth techniques to evade the criminals' eyes. Unaware, the other party heads straight for the outskirts. The criminal forcibly drags the girl out of the car and into an abandoned factory.
- Damn it, you bitch, today I'm going to fuck you to death…
He throws her toward his accomplices. They are also holding two other young women. The girls tremble and cling to each other, crying miserably and pleading for mercy. The man triumphantly pulls down his pants and sneers lewdly:
- Hehe, I'll give you all a death in pleasure… hehe…
He praises his subordinates loudly:
- After I'm done with them, I'll hand them over to you as a reward for capturing the other two bitches.
The underlings chuckle, bowing to their boss in gratitude. They brutally tear the clothes of the three women, pushing the victims toward the boss for his amusement. Dang Khong charges from behind, instantly sending several underlings flying.
This surge of lewd excitement is abruptly extinguished. Before the leader can regain his composure, Thuong Tung lunges forward and lands a heavy punch on his face, causing the criminal to spin and collapse.
Seeing the enemy motionless, Thuong Tung thinks he has accidentally killed him. Panic-stricken, he bends over to check, only to find the guy is still breathing. He lets out a sigh of relief and turns to face the victims. The appearance of the women catches Thuong Tung's eye, and he freezes in place for a split second. Overcome with terror, they scream out:
- Watch out…
Thuong Tung winces as a sharp pain hits the back of his head. His hand touches a bloody wound; he staggers backward, and his chest is struck again. The blonde man falls to the ground, faintly hearing the shrill screams of the women. Blood flows down over his half-closed eyes as his consciousness gradually fades.
Thuong Tung slowly regains consciousness. To his left is Dang Khong, surrounded by doctors and nurses. He is in the hospital. After completing a full-body check, the doctor announces:
- The patient only has soft tissue damage; the brain is normal, but he needs to stay for two days of observation.
Thuong Tung nods in understanding. Once the doctors have left the room, he scans his surroundings. Dang Khong speaks:
- Don't worry, I've checked. There was a power short circuit this morning; the hospital's surveillance system suffered a serious error and won't be fixed until tomorrow. I've activated the anti-eavesdropping device; this room is secure.
He hurriedly asks:
- What about the victims?
Dang Khong replies:
- I've taken them to a safe place.
Thuong Tung asks about the criminals' whereabouts. Dang Khong answers calmly that everything is "perfectly resolved." Dang Khong always handles things impeccably, never leaving a trace. Since he says it's resolved, Thuong Tung doesn't need to scrutinize the methods used, so he asks something else:
- How long was I unconscious?
Dang Khong says he brought him to the hospital last night. Thuong Tung asks:
- Does Mr. JK know about this?
Dang Khong replies coldly:
- I reported that you fell from your motorcycle and hit your head on a hard object, causing a fairly serious injury.
Still dizzy, Thuong Tung doesn't understand for a moment:
- Why lie?
Dang Khong sighs, mentioning the appearance and features of the victims:
- In the past, group employees saved someone. Mr. JK excitedly searched for the victim to promote the group's image. If he plays the same old trick now, everything will be a mess.
Thuong Tung thinks for a while before grasping Dang Khong's deep meaning:
- Are you worried that the "virtual masses" online will say Mr. JK's descendants once lived like prostitutes?
Dang Khong nods. Thuong Tung rests his hands behind his head:
- At that time, won't just bringing the other three girls to testify in public be enough?
Dang Khong gives a faint, cold smile:
- Who would believe it? The world will only accuse JK of giving the three girls plastic surgery so they could die in place of his descendants. This world always follows the crowd mentality; they will drive those whose reputations are slandered to death. The group's reputation would be completely destroyed. Does a "gentleman" like you want to cause the death of innocent people?
Dang Khong has never spoken so many words in one go, but every sentence hits the mark. He is implying that the innocent ones are the Princess... and... those three women.
After weighing the pros and cons, Thuong Tung decides to take Dang Khong's advice. In fact, he is just "tender toward beautiful women" and doesn't truly care about the lives of the innocent...
He is still worried about one thing:
- But an accidental injury and an assault wound are different. How do we cover it?
Dang Khong opens a holographic display and says:
- I created wounds identical to an accident; the doctors cannot detect them.
Dang Khong shows Thuong Tung two photos. Even as the victim, he cannot distinguish which wound was caused by a club and which was treated to look like an accident.
The blonde man breathes a sigh of relief. Dang Khong deletes the photos and proceeds to video call JK. The boss looks at his head wrapped in white bandages and asks about his health.
- Sir, I'm still very dizzy. The doctor says I need to stay for two more days of observation.
JK nods and takes a puff of his cigarette:
- Hmm, it seems the injury isn't light. You should rest; I'll give you a month's leave. If it's still not fully healed, rest until you're fully recovered.
Thuong Tung happily expresses his thanks. JK hangs up the Halo. Thuong Tung asks if the victims are in that place? Dang Khong replies:
- Correct.
Two days later, Thuong Tung is discharged. Dang Khong leads him into the deep, wild mountains. The silent fellow presses a spot on the cliffside; a door opens to the left, revealing a deep tunnel.
They enter and close the cellar door. The walls are brightly lit, leading the owner into a distant secret chamber. Before he knew Hero, Thuong Tung once saved Dang Khong's life. Upon their second meeting, to repay the debt, Thuong Tung assisted him in building this base to hide from enemies... and... for secret operations.
Dang Khong goes to another room, leaving Thuong Tung to work freely. Dang Khong leans back in his chair, pours some wine, takes a sip, and turns on a virtual screen, monitoring every move in the room next door.
The facility is fully equipped with the most advanced modern features, matching the high standards of an international five-star luxury hotel. Thuong Tung comfortably breathes in the faint scent of mint, the cool taste intertwining with the gentle "tender emotion" of magnolia, stroking his sense of smell.
A noble yet provocative scent teases his soaring thoughts, drawing his half-awake consciousness toward three graceful, pink shadows. They are gathered before the mirror to the right of the princess bed, combing their long hair. The women hesitate before turning around, facing Thuong Tung with timid gazes.
He gazes at these "princesses" with a mix of tenderness and passion; some are as beautiful as pearls, some hazy like mist, others fragile and mournful, as if stepping out from a phantom dream. That obsessive, perfect dream... which hypnotized his soul to the heavens every night... is now... becoming reality. To him, this dreamlike reality carries the terrifying potential to turn into a nightmare. Beyond desire, there is the fear of his dark intentions being exposed.
Only Heaven and Earth know now, and the one playing with fire is well aware, yet he still worries that everything will fall apart, that his dreams and ambitions will vanish like bubbles. JK and his son will tear him to pieces.
But... at that moment... a "princess" lightly brushes his cheek; sweat soaks his cold body, which is scorched by fiery lust. The "girls" press their rosy cheeks against his chest. His face turns a vivid red. The fire of desire incinerates all thoughts, leaving only Dang Khong's counsel echoing in his mind:
"A gentleman cannot harm innocent people."
He must be "tender toward beautiful women." Besides, the flower is the shadow of his dream lover.
This counsel contains the hidden metaphors of Thuong Tung's longing; like any other craving, there is nothing to fear, and it is certainly not worth condemning.
Has he not been waiting for this opportunity all along?
Has he not yearned day and night for the "affection" of the "princess"?
Has he not always wanted to cherish the princess and indulge in love with his dream lover?
All these opportunities are becoming reality. Most importantly, there are only five people here.
The gods do not know, and the demons do not care... this place... is... giving him the chance. Everything is supporting, cheering, encouraging, and urging him to seize this golden opportunity found in these hot, erotic women.
The Grand Princess's sexual heat always surges beyond all limits... wanting... to burn away her modest clothes to flaunt the 'three rings of fire' that glow with passion on her fertile, lush body. The two younger princesses are just as alluring as the Grand Princess—flawless in every curve and form.
He turns his greedy gaze toward her beauty. Her brows knit slightly, pressing down on her passionate "laksa leaf" eyes[1]. Those coquettish eyes issue an invitation; despite the risks, despite everything, he no longer has to masturbate or fantasize—he is flying toward the paradise of sensory pleasure.
The man who is usually indifferent to everything now has the corners of his lips curled up by half an inch as he watches the monitor... Thuong Tung orders her to raise her head. She looks up at Thuong Tung, her face flushed with lust; her dreamy eyes excite this lecherous man even further.
He grips her chin, lifting her face to scrutinize the smooth, short hair framing her oval face; the indifferent corners of her mouth, devoid of lipstick, remain a plump, dark pink. Her peach-colored, makeup-free face highlights her simplicity, yet it cannot hide her prurient beauty.
To Thuong Tung, the lack of lewdness was once the most regrettable "defect" of his dream princess. Now, this flaw has become perfect within the woman's body... igniting a blazing fire of passion.
Intense carnality permeates her fragrant body... the sense of reality instantly intensifies ten thousand times, triggering a feverish imagination of playing with fire in his mind. Now, this 'reality' is more perfect than the flawed body he once furtively scanned from head to toe.
The one with heavy lust who could never 'consume' his prey... has only been able to satisfy his desires in his dreams over the past month.
Now, the dream is no longer an illusion; he is touching his perfect dream. His hands tighten on her shoulders, wanting to devour this delicious flesh and sweet-water prey.
She sees that he is losing control to his desire. The "female monsters"[2] act as if programmed. She casts a seductive glance at Thuong Tung, her enchanting eyes instantly leaving him dazed and infatuated. She hooks a sweet smile and whispers into his ear:
"We will live here for a lifetime, waiting for your 'visit'!"
That gentle, warm voice is the very familiar sound he has been obsessed with and has secretly recorded, which has allowed him to complete countless acts of 'phantom sex' within his delusional fantasies. Now, he no longer has to listen through a machine; the pervert is enjoying that smooth, soul-stealing voice directly. That voice is not pure like the princess in his dreams; it radiates a scorching breath of carnal craving... transforming a man who is always solemn into a ravenous wolf.
"I am the Ngoc in your perfect dream! Possess your 'Mistress'!"
The two younger princesses devotedly "take care" of "Little Thuong Tung," and the pleasure urges him to immediately scoop the Grand Princess up in his arms. The lewd laughter of the female monsters incites his final surge of arousal.
The image of the gentleman is gone. A triumphant laugh echoes in Dang Khong's mind. Silent fellow remains expressionless in the face of these satisfied sounds... as if... thanking the one who helped the perfect dream come true.
Even if the truth is, it is ultimately just the private lust of a pervert who has always coveted and craved a sexual relationship with his "Mistress."
Note
[1]"Laksa leaf" eyes: Refers to sharp, elongated, and passionate eyes.
[2]Female monsters: A metaphor for women with a heavy underworld aura, who are cunning and know exactly how to seduce men.