Phoenix and Pegasus 2

Chapter 9

~X~

Zhu Zanjin busied himself with readjusting his shirt and checking his makeup while he and Yibo spoke in quiet murmurs.  The plan was to meet Liu Haikuan at the party and so it was only the three of them in the back of the car. 

Xiao Zhan huffed out a breath in frustration. "I hate that you look so good tonight," he said.

Yibo smiled and tightened his grip.  The two of them had been holding hands as soon as they had gotten in the car.  "I hate that I'm not the one you'll be kissing," Yibo replied into his ear.

"Kitsune will have to suffer those in your stead," Xiao Zhan said with a laugh.

"What do I have to suffer?" Zanjin asked, glancing over at them.

"Kissing Zhan-ge," Yibo said.

Zanjin rolled his eyes.  "Don't worry, they do nothing for me."

Yibo laughed at his reply while Xiao Zhan shook his head.  He was happy that the two were getting along now even if it was at the expense of making fun of him.

"I know who you'd rather have kissing you," Yibo teased.

"Oh stop," Zanjin said, his face flushing pink.

"Speaking of Haikuan," Xiao Zhan said, causing A-Jin to flush even more, "he confirmed Li Wuwen is fully occupied for the evening and will not be making any surprise appearances at this party."

"Li Zen has been informed of her husband's shenanigans?" Yibo asked.

Xiao Zhan nodded.  "Everything is proceeding just as planned.  Her maid has informed us that they are on their way back and should be here within the next two hours.  Apparently Li Zen is angry enough to chew through metal."

"Let's hope it's enough," Yibo said.

            A-Feng lowered the privacy window to inform them that they were arriving and then rolled it back up again.   Xiao Zhan sighed and reluctantly let go of Yibo's hand.  "If you're ever uncomfortable..."

            "I'll be fine Zhan-ge." Yibo gave him a quick kiss.

            He was tempted to grab Yibo and kiss him further when the car rolled to a stop.  "Here we go," he murmured.  He was sure that the grim look on the faces of his companions matched his own.

            Zhou Mingde had been wandering the edge of the party for a good hour.  Although there were numerous escorts circulating, he hadn't stopped once to indulge.  Instead he had only paused his prowl about the room to converse with a few executives.  

When Liu Haikuan had arrived the young general had brought him over and had even joined the group for a drink. Guo Jingren had poked fun at Zhou Mingde for not having an escort with him, while he had two draped over him like wet rags.  The young general had taken one look at the possessive hand Xiao Zhan had placed on Phoenix's leg and gotten up to go get another drink.  Xiao Zhan had seen the frustration and pain on Zhou Mingde's face and almost felt sorry for him.  The general had not returned to join them, but had decided to cast glances at Phoenix from across the room. 

            "Liu Haikuan, don't drink so much!" Guo Jingren laughed whilst fondling the escort on his lap.  His shirt was wide open and his strong torso on display.  "If you vomit on me, I'll have no choice but to kill you."

            "I promise if I need to vomit, I'll direct it away from you," Liu Haikuan said good-naturedly.

            "I've already been a recipient so please direct it elsewhere," Xiao Zhan stated with a pained expression.