In the story of Dangerous Liaisons, Viscount Valmont did many good deeds to win Madame Du Wei's favor—or rather, to deceive her. In the process, he felt joy and glory, as if Cupid were crowning him, hesitating over whether the wreath should be made of myrtle or laurel branches.
She alone was a worthy opponent for Viscount Valmont, the target he wished to strike. He even prayed with Madame Du Wei on schedule and attended Mass, though all the while he was immersed in the flames of desire, thinking day and night of possessing her so he could escape her web of love.
He craved intoxicating pleasure, and naturally, he did not forget to use it to provoke Madame de Merteuil's jealousy. She was another difficult target to conquer.
It was best not to fight a war on two fronts. History taught that such a course was unwise, and Viscount Valmont was already close to losing control.
Women liked to adorn themselves in lavish clothing, which was why Rococo came into being. Yet Viscount Valmont preferred to see Madame Du Wei in a casually worn linen dress. The plain muslin was light and sheer enough for summer, while also making it convenient for him to study her figure.
Women of that era always wore their necklines very low, as though displaying their "equipment," but Madame Du Wei always kept herself covered. Instead, that only stirred his fantasies.
When he caught hold of her with a clever yet slightly clumsy movement, they embraced tightly. In that brief instant, he felt her heartbeat quicken and saw a lovely blush rise to her face. Her shy embarrassment told him that her pounding heart was not born of fear, but of love.
But the moment was brief. Madame Du Wei remained loyal to the