31. The Craziness Just Keeps on Coming
Chapter thirty-one
The Craziness Just Keeps on Coming
Monique
“Lei, let us satisfy you!”
Bolin stepped forward and placed his foot in the way of the door so it wouldn't begin to close.
“Lei, baby! Come here!”
Meanwhile, Lei and I didn't even step off the elevator.
We just stood there in shock.
It was like we had stumbled upon a secret society of Cookie Monster enthusiasts, preparing some elaborate seance.
Thank God, palace security had formed a human barricade between us and them because they looked like a group of obsessive fans trying to get to their beloved icon.
However, the palace guards—in their crisp, sky-blue uniforms—were clearly unprepared for this peculiar challenge. With arms outstretched and stern expressions, they tried to maintain a perimeter, keeping the eager women several feet back. However, their task was anything but easy. The women continuously tried to sidestep, duck under, or even sweet-talk their way past the guards.
Plus, they kept calling out to Lei, their voices a blend of pleading and playful taunts, as if they were all part of some bizarre fan club. They waved, blew kisses, and a few flashed their breasts.
I just. . .don't know what to say. . .
One woman shoved a guard aside and raced forward to only be captured by a guard and dragged back. “Lei, we need to talk! Right! Now!”
Still rooted in place on the elevator, I scanned all of the women and thought back to when I had been trying out dresses in the room with Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi and overheard their conversation.
Aunt Suzi had kept her voice low. “I was thoroughly shocked by the bald head.”
“Me too,” Aunt Min had muttered. “But with that face, who needs hair.”
“Once the East sees her, the harem will all be bald by the end of the month.”
“Can you imagine?”
I'd thought it was ridiculous but. . .
They all really shaved their damn heads!
And each face was unique, yet they shared a common expression of annoyance as they gazed my way.
Hey! I didn't do anything to you.
At least, Lei definitely didn't discriminate when it came to his bed.
“Lei, you know one woman can't satisfy you!”
The group was a mesmerizing rainbow of humanity's diversity— porcelain-white to deep ebony, olive tones to warm caramel. The variety of shapes and sizes added to the surreal quality of the scene. Some of the women were tall and willowy, while others were shorter and curvier.
And where did they find all of these different Cookie Monster pajamas?
The pajamas they wore were not uniform; some had large, bold prints of Cookie Monster's face, while others were adorned with tiny, scattered images of the beloved character munching on chocolate chip cookies.
“You're mourning Chanel! Think this through! She's not the one!”
One guard appeared particularly flustered as a woman in pajamas with giant Cookie Monster eyes on the front tried to crawl between his legs.
This is really crazy.
Another guard was engaged in a comical dance of sorts, trying to keep a particularly agile woman at bay who seemed to think this was all a game of tag.
“Just let me talk to him real quick! I'm one of his favorites!”
The scene was chaotic yet oddly humorous, as each guard struggled to maintain order amidst a group that clearly had no intention of being easily deterred.
Lei broke the silence first. “Umm. . .”
I slowly turned to him.
“Bolin. Fengge.” Horror covered Lei's face. “Get them out of here.”
“Yes, sir.” Fengge bobbed his head. “We'll have them taken back to their rooms—”
“No.” Lei shook his head. “I want them out of the palace.”
Fengge widened his eyes. “Sir?”
“Get them on my plane and fly them out of the country. Tell them it’s a vacation on me and then work with Chen to come up with a Harem Exit Plan .”
Fengge cleared his throat. “An exit plan?”
“The harem has to end. I don’t want this anymore, and this. . .is clearly turning into a mental health situation and I don't need them anymore.”
“Uh. . .yes sir.” Fengge pulled out his phone. “I'll fly Chen here to discuss.”
“Insanity.” Lei guided me away and whispered in my ear, “I'm sorry. Our date wasn't supposed to be this crazy. We'll be somewhat alone soon.”
“Somewhat alone?”
“You'll see.”
We stepped off the elevator, our movements hesitant as we navigated through the narrow path the guards managed to maintain.
The women's calls grew louder and more desperate. “Lei, don't do this!”
One cried, her voice cracking with emotion. “What does she have that we don't?”
Tension gathered in my shoulders.
Some of the women began to sob. “We can change! Just tell us what you want!”
Lei leaned Fengge's way. “Have therapists on the plane and with them on the trip. I don't want them to hurt themselves.”
“I understand, Mountain Master.”
Another laughed nervously. “This must be a joke! Right? She's nobody!”
I swallowed and kept my head high.
I could never live here. This is too much.
As we walked away, the cries and calls of the women echoed down the corridor.
“Lei! Please!” Their voices intertwined with sobs and imploring shouts. “Lei!”
With his arm around my waist, Lei tenderly squeezed my side.
The cacophony of desperate pleas and heartbroken cries lingered in the air, haunting my steps.
However, the more we headed away, the less I could hear them and the more I was able to shove it all away.
Fengge and Bolin began to slow their pace and fall back, simply following us along with the other guards.
Slowly, I took the hallway in.
Wow. This space is beautiful too.
The hallway was a breathtaking vision in shades of blue. Light blue luxurious carpet covered the floor. It had a subtle pattern that mimicked the gentle ripples of a calm sea. The walls were painted in a tranquil shade of blue that perfectly complemented the carpet. Natural light streamed in from large windows, showing off the immaculate gardens outside.
The scent of blooming jasmine filled the air.
Lei spoke. “I never wanted any of that.”
“The harem?”
“Yes, and. . .I never anticipated that my actions would lead to their pain. . .”
“And obsession.”
He gazed at me. “I don't want them around anymore. Now that I'm truly understanding the power of intimacy, I want more. I want you.”
“I want you too.”
“Do you think sending them off on a vacation first will help?”
“Probably. Especially with your including therapists.”
“Many have spent all of their adult years simply focused on my pleasure and needs.” Lei moved his view forward. “I feel like shit for throwing them aside. What amount of money could make up for that wasted time?”
“You can't blame yourself for their reactions. You didn't ask for a harem in the first place—”
“But I allowed it.”
“You did.”
“But. . .a lot of things are about to change. It's time to really start ruling the East.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Ruling it my way.”
“And what way will that be?”
“I have no idea.”
My heart ached for him and the burden he carried upon his shoulders.
“As usual, I'll be here for you, Lei.” I looked at him. “And you're right. You have the power to change things now. To redefine your legacy. So, do it, just take your time.”
Lei and I rounded the corner, and a starkly different atmosphere greeted us.
Well. . .this is better than the other stuff.
His two aunts held an elegant tea party in the hallway and encircled a low table topped with the most exquisite gold tea set I've ever seen. Several plates of cookies and pastries were next to it.
Lei groaned in annoyance.
Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi wore these sumptuous dresses—elaborate teal, lace, and silk with tons of sequins and swirling motifs.
O-kay. . .
We continued closer.
Upon noticing us, their eyes twinkled mischievously and twin smirks played upon their lips.
“Good afternoon, Lei and Monique!” They lifted their cups in salute.
Lei scowled at them.
I smiled. “You both look lovely.”
“Oh.” Aunt Min glanced down at her expensive dress. “This old thing? Just something I threw on.”
Aunt Suzi giggled. “And how is your date going?”
Lei gazed over his shoulder. “Bolin, get them out of here.”
“Yes, sir.” Bolin headed over with seven men.
Aunt Min gasped. “Really, Lei?! Who else, but us should be out here on your special day?
Aunt Suzi pointed at Bolin. “Boly Woly, if you come over here and try to move me, I will be forced to put you on your behind.”
“Aunt Suzi, come on.” Bolin held out his hands. “It's been a long day.”
We began to stroll past them.
Aunt Suzi gestured to the table. “Perhaps, you two can have some tea before continuing your lovely date.”
Lei kept us moving.
I waved. “Maybe, next time.”
Aunt Min called after us. “Enjoy your date!”
I grinned.
“To young love!” Aunt Suzi clinked her cup against Aunt Min’s in a joyful toast.
I chuckled. “I love your aunts.”
“Good because I've yet to find a way to get rid of them.”
“Eh.” I nudged his side. “You cannot get rid of Aunt Suzi or Aunt Min. They're awesome.”
Lei rolled his eyes. “They're nosy.”
“And fun.” I chuckled again. “I'm totally inviting them over to Lotus Blossom for tea.”
“Moni, I'm sure they already have several tea parties planned at Lotus Blossom for you. I may need to get you a separate security team just so you can have peace.”
“No way. I want them to come by. After Mom's passing, it would be nice to have them around. T.T. would love them.”
Lei shook his head yet smirked. “FYI, they are going to spoil her.”
Laughing together, Lei and I continued our journey down the magnificent corridor, moving further away from his aunts' whimsical tea party.
Just like the Grand Hall on the first level, this hallway seemed to stretch endlessly.
Yet, our steps were muted against the luxurious carpet.
And then, I saw these massive double doors looming ahead with gold and blue designs.
I pointed. “Is that where the Mountain Master sleeps?”
“Yes.” He licked his lips and hurried our pace. “But he won't be sleeping in there today.”
We got closer and I checked out the two stern-faced men in dark blue uniforms standing guard outside the doors. Each held a gun at his side.
We approached.
The guards snapped to attention and with a precise and synchronized motion, they reached out and pushed the massive doors open, revealing what lay inside.
Oh my God.
Shock hit me.
We stopped right there in the doorway.
Clearly, Lei was letting me get used to this new set of craziness.
Of course there were the normal parts that I pretty much expected.
The spacious bedroom, with its high ceilings, radiated an aura of regal splendor. The bed, opulent and majestic, stood as the room's centerpiece. It was grand enough to fit an emperor, adorned with the finest silken sheets that shimmered under the gentle light.
The walls of the room were a gallery of mystical creatures in epic battles.
However, there was one wall that was empty and it was clear that this space had once been home to its own masterpieces. I knew this because there were these odd traces on the wall, faint outlines marked by a subtle discoloration against the otherwise pristine surface. It all hinted at the dimensions and shapes of the paintings that had been removed. And those ghostly imprints spoke of large, grandiose works that must have been as captivating as the remaining ones.
What paintings did they take down? Was it Leo and his mom? No. They were probably ones of. . .Chanel.
I would have asked, but I didn't want to. It would have damn sure ruined the mood for me. Therefore, I turned away from that wall and gazed at the crazier parts of the bedroom.
Ummm. . .
There was a small orchestra assembled around the bed, allowing about four feet of space between them and the bed.
Ten musicians, dressed in silk turquoise attire, currently tuned their instruments. The ensemble was diverse, featuring a string quartet, a pianist, a flutist, a harpist, and a few woodwind players. The gentle, harmonious sound of their tuning was like a prelude to the enchantment that awaited us.
But that wasn't it.
Three women—clad in solid blue body suits that hugged their forms— stood next to the bed. Their hair was slicked back into tight buns.
Their makeup was an artistic marvel in itself. A dark blue shade covered not just their eyes but extended across their faces in a manner reminiscent of a blindfold. It gave the illusion that their eyes were veiled, yet their gaze was unobstructed.
So. . .uh. . .
Meanwhile, several women moved past us in the door way and pushed carts into the room and stopped them at the end of the bed.
Champagne, tea, and sweets topped one cart.
However. . .on the next two carts there were an array of sex toys—feather ticklers in various sizes and colors, leather whips with intricate designs, shiny metal handcuffs adorned with jewels, dildos, vibrators, and anal beads in different shapes and textures.
I blinked.
Okay. . .this man went from virgin monk to freaky ass motherfucker.
On the fourth cart, there were bondage ropes, ball gags, silk ribbons, and an exorbitant amount of lube.
Slowly, I turned up to look at Lei's crazy ass.
A devilish smirk spread across his face. “Are you ready?”
“Well. . .” I tried to gather my words.
Meanwhile, the staff that brought in the carts, hurried out of there.
The orchestra began putting on dark blue blindfolds.
But those three women, they just remained standing by the bed.
“Moni, are you ready?”
I looked back at him. “Well, I have several questions.”
“Questions?” Laughing, he guided me into the room. “It's too late for that.”