"I’ve heard that the scenery of the hotel’s back garden is unparalleled. Aunt Zhuang, have you ever heard of a flower that only blooms at night and is very beautiful? It’s a rare sight. Since we’re here, shouldn’t we go have a look?"
Before Zhuang Xiyue could respond, it was Lady Zhou who asked, "Is it the night-blooming cereus? People say its appearance is fleeting. Honestly, I’ve never seen such a flower. Why don’t we go and have a look?"
Zhuang Xiyue subconsciously furrowed her brow, "That flower has a negative connotation. Today my sister is the birthday star, so let’s not go see it."
Lady Zhou was a bit superstitious and hesitated upon hearing this, but Song Yiren quickly said, "How could that be? I’ve heard the blooming of the night-blooming cereus is quite beautiful. It would really be a pity not to see it while we’re here."
Zhuang Xiyue frowned and glanced at Song Yiren, who smiled back at her, but her heart was "thumping" nervously.
Lady Zhou waved her hand decisively, "Let’s go. Let’s all go take a look at this so-called night-blooming cereus."
The group set off towards the back garden mightily.
Walking among the crowd, Song Yiren’s lips curved into a smug smile.
Ji Yunya, just wait for your utter disgrace, what ’top lady of the city,’ more like ’top harlot’ is more like it. Soon, even Brother Yan will find it disgusting to glance at you.
Yun Shu had looked around without spotting Kang Jinxian, and thinking that Kang Jinxian was among the crowd heading to the back garden, she followed as well.
"Brother Shen, look how lively it is, shall we follow and take a look?" Kang Jinse said, holding Yun Shen’s hand as they too followed the crowd.
The garden lights were previously off due to the lack of visitors, creating an eerily dark ambiance. However, now that guests had come to admire the flowers, the hotel manager switched on all the garden path lights, illuminating the area as if it were daylight.
The shadows of the flowers were sparse, and the winding paths revealed a unique beauty beneath the night sky.
Just then, a high-pitched moaning emanated from the depths of the garden; in the silent night, it was especially clear, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment. Zhuang Xiyue instantly realized the situation and turned to leave.
But the act was mainly for Zhuang Xiyue’s benefit, and Song Yiren would not let her leave so easily. Clutching onto Zhuang Xiyue’s arm, she said, "Aunt Zhuang, we haven’t seen the night-blooming cereus yet. How can you leave just like that?"
The unending moans became increasingly intense, and many young ladies in the group blushed, cursing the brazenness of the lovers to not choose a more suitable place.
Not giving Zhuang Xiyue a chance to refuse, Song Yiren pulled her deeper into the garden. As they moved past a floral arch, the intertwined figures on the central clearing’s bench were suddenly exposed to the public eye.
With heaven as their blanket and earth as their bed, the man was mounted on the woman’s back, his hands gripping hers above her head, vigorously engaging in battle. The woman’s back was facing everyone, and her fragmented moans intermittently filled the air, presenting a scene so intense it was breathtaking.
"Ah... this is truly shameful." A young lady quickly covered her eyes but couldn’t help peeking through her fingers, driven by curiosity.
Zhuang Xiyue furrowed her brow.
Noticing Zhuang Xiyue’s expression, Song Yiren smiled smugly, though her face feigned shock and anger, "What’s wrong with people these days? No decency at all. This is truly embarrassing."
Lady Zhou said coldly, "Such behavior, she must not be from a respectable family. This is really disappointing." She then turned to leave.
Song Yiren wouldn’t allow them to leave so easily and exclaimed loudly, "Oh, that woman looks so familiar!"
Her words successfully drew everyone’s attention. Zhuang Xiyue gave her a look, and a swift coldness passed through her eyes.
"Yiren, let’s go. Don’t disturb their tryst."
Song Yiren didn’t catch the implied meaning and stubbornly said, "She really does look familiar. Why does it feel a bit like Yun Ya?" As she said this, she suddenly covered her mouth, pretending to have spoken out of turn.
"How could it be Yun Ya? It must be a mistake." She shook her head as if embarrassed.
"Ji Yunya? The city’s number one lady, Ji Yunya? I never expected it would be her, tsk tsk, looking so pure and weak on the outside, but who knew she was so wanton privately..."
"As the saying goes, ’You can’t judge a book by its cover.’ Her mother committed adultery while married, and that’s why Yun Shen divorced her. What does it matter if she’s the top lady? She can’t change her lascivious nature."
Murmurs started spreading among the crowd.
Song Yiren’s heart swelled with satisfaction; everything was unfolding so smoothly, it seemed even the heavens were aiding her.
Lady Zhou glanced subconsciously at Zhuang Xiyue but saw that her gaze towards Song Yiren was icy cold, and yet Song Yiren remained oblivious.