After exchanging a few words with Xu Feiniang, Shi Chun'e rose and made an excuse to leave. At the doorway, she called to Lei Qilong, "As it happens, I need to speak with you. Come back with me."
Lei Qilong had no choice but to bid Fan Zi farewell and leave with Shi Chun'e.
Back in the Mount Hua compound, Shi Chun'e first took Lei Qilong to an empty side room. The instant they entered, her expression changed, and she shouted sternly, "Lei Qilong, get on your knees!"
Lei Qilong shuddered in fright and hurriedly dropped to both knees. He had no idea what Shi Chun'e intended. His heart hung in suspense, his face deathly pale, and he trembled with fear.
Shi Chun'e slammed a hand on the table. "You traitorous wretch, biting the hand that feeds you! What exactly have you done? Confess!"
Lei Qilong wore an utterly innocent expression. "I haven't done anything!"
"Still trying to deny it!" Shi Chun'e snapped, her voice and expression harsh. "Slap your own face! Keep slapping until you're willing to talk!"
Helpless, Lei Qilong could only raise his hands and slap his own cheeks, alternating left and right.
After twenty-odd sharp smacks, swollen red marks rose on his fair cheeks. Shi Chun'e began to feel sorry for him and told him to stop. "Are you going to talk or not?"
Lei Qilong looked close to tears. "Aunt, I truly haven't done anything. I don't even know where to begin!"
Shi Chun'e was about to speak again when someone suddenly kicked the door open from outside. Her husband, Chi Lu, stormed in. "We have important business tonight. Can't you two show a little restraint?"
Chi Lu, nicknamed Fire Tai Sui, had an even more explosive temper than Shi Nanxi and the others. The