Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
But the best part was watching Moni's expressions of delight and surprise at the buns.
It filled me with a great sense of satisfaction.
In fact, I loved her reactions all day.
To share such integral parts of my culture with her, and to see her embrace it with such openness and appreciation, deepened the connection I felt towards her.
As we savored the last bites of the sweet red bean buns—the rich flavors lingering on our tongues—a comfortable silence settled between us.
The final course marked the end of our meal, but it was clear that it was just the beginning of something far more significant.
I watched Moni’s face, illuminated by the candlelight.
Her eyes reflected excitement.
It was a look that mirrored my own feelings.
“Moni,” I licked my lips. “Are you ready to leave?”
“I'm ready.” A smile played on her lips. “Where are we going now?”
I stood up. “Somewhere more private.”
“Hmmm.” She rose.
Finally.
Chapter twenty-nine
Getting Ready for the Madness
Monique
This date was beyond anything I could have imagined.
I loved the tour and the exquisite dishes, however, the grandeur of his palace and the decadent cuisine paled in comparison to Lei's raw emotional vulnerability.
That was where my heart truly swelled.
He opened up, baring his deepest desires and fears.
And because of that, this was feeling like more than just a date and more an affair of the soul.
There was only one question left.
What else does he have in store for today?
Just before we reached the door leading back to the main corridor, Lei stopped and turned to face me. His face took on a serious expression, a sharp contrast to the carefree one during our meal.
Curiosity bubbled within me. “What's wrong?”
“Before we go through this door, I should prepare you for the madness.”
“O-kay.”
“I was only able to close off everything for the beginning of the date. Any more time and all operations would have been fucked.”
“And now shit is about to get real?”
“Very real.” He gave me a sad smile. “There's going to be a crowd because there always is one.”
I tensed. “A crowd?”
“Staff, palace guards, employees, various guests, and. . .”
“What?”
“Reporters and paparazzi.”
“What the hell?”
“Yeah. The East’s has its own news channel, four magazines, and two newspapers.”
“I had no idea. They definitely don't do that in the South.”
“It's only here.” He ran his fingers through his long hair. “It’s this way because of my parents. They are all about free speech.”
I did my best to process this information.
Lei continued. “In China, despite the constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech, the reality is often different.”
“They don't follow it at all?”
“Criticism of the government can lead to imprisonment and independent journalism is frequently suppressed.”
I could sense his frustration. “So, they wanted something different here?”
“Yes, exactly. They wanted to ensure free speech in the East, even if it means dealing with the madness of the press. It's chaotic and invasive at times, but it was their way of ensuring that voices could be heard without fear.”
“So, we’re about to walk into a storm of paparazzi and reporters?”
Lei nodded. “I've been gone for a while, so there will be questions, but. . .there's also you.”
I swallowed.
“They'll have even more questions.”
My mind raced. The thought of facing a swarm of reporters and paparazzi sent a chill down my spine. I typically lived a simple, quiet life. No one ever cared what I was doing or wearing or even what was on my mind.
Lei must have sensed my apprehension because he reached out to grasp my hand gently. His touch offered warm comfort. “I know this is unexpected and I understand if you're not ready for this kind of attention, but. . .”
“Yes?”
“I wanted you in my bedroom today, and. . .maybe there's also a deeper odder part of me that wants everyone to know that you're in my life now.”
I swallowed hard.
He leaned his head to the side. “Thoughts?”
I looked down at my dress. “Maybe. . .I would have worn something different.”
“You are captivatingly beautiful in anything you wear, Moni.”
I blushed.
“Remember, I met you in a Cookie Monster pajama top and jeans and couldn't keep my eyes off of you.” He pulled me closer to him. “I'm more worried that men will come out of shadows for you because. . .how could any man not desire you once they see you?”
His words—honest and raw—vibrated deep within my chest.
The idea of being thrust into the limelight was daunting, yet the way Lei looked at me, with such genuine affection and a hint of possessive pride, sent my heart pumping.
And I couldn't lie, the fear of public exposure intertwined with the thrill of being acknowledged as part of Lei's life was a heady, exhilarating mixture.
Adrenaline surged through my body.
He was not just inviting me into the quiet privacy of his palace but into the full view of the East.
Holy shit. I thought I still had time.
He watched me. “But you can always say no.”