2.13 Do you understand "love"?

"Huh? Father. You know?" Shu XinYi wasn't really surprised since neither Lisa nor Isabel were subtle about the matter.

"Hmm. I too want to shift to city X after I make you the official heir. What do you think Xavi?"

"Father, if that's the decision you make then I won't interfere." Shu XinYi respectfully said.

"Xavi. Tell me have you thought about your future with Leo." Aldo asked with some reluctance.

Shu XinYi knew it wasn't necessary to be embarrassed but his inner feelings just took over. "Y-yes father, I have."

"Young love is powerful but you mustn't be rash. The world is ruthless, they won't accept your love." Aldo stated the obvious.

"It is enough for me that you do father."

"What if I don't?" Aldo asked.

Shu XinYi remained silent.

"Do you chose to stay silent because you know that your answer may disappoint me?"

Shu XinYi just lowered his head further.

"If you have chosen Leo then I can't do anything but accept it as your father but you have to remain vigilant son." Aldo adviced.

"Thankyou for understanding father."

The trader signed a contract with both Elena and Isabel. Isabel didn't immediately prepare to leave. She had taken 3 months to make preparations and had requested father to take her to travel various cities in this time. Although her skills in brewing tea and cooking spices the right way were exceptional, it was always good to learn more. Previously she has never thought of doing an actual business, so she had not specifically traveled for learning purpose.

Since Lisa had told Isabel that she wants to be able to support a future together, Isabel too wanted to earn for their future. Now that opportunity came, she wanted to do her best.

Father agreed to take her on tour and he prepared for a 2 month tour around 7 cities. In 3 days father had already left with Isabel and first mother along with a few servants for the tour.

He held Xavi responsible for the house and trade affairs. He wasn't worried. Aldo trusted Xavi to handle the matters well. He also advised Elena to be on her best behavior and even asked her to come on the tour. Elena politely refused saying that she will definitely make father proud when he comes back. Father just reminded her that this test is no race, it is just a value meter to balance your reality.

Elena had already called in and bought inventories from Mr.Lionne. Mr.Lionne was no genius but he could tell that Lady Elena will soon face loss and she would no longer buy from him. So he gave a calculated amount of inventory, so that he had enough to sell to his regular customers and some for wandering buyers.

In the first month, Elena made a sufficient amount of profit. This really had boosted her confidence and she bought in 2 months worth inventory in advance. Although Elena was making profit, her customers were not happy at all. Especially the ones who had payed in advance were the most angered. They had gotten 2/3rds the amount of goods they would have usually gotten for the same payment.

They didn't dare to complain since it was the Xalvadore family who was in play but they could just stop buying. So in the second half of the month Elena faced a significant amount of deficit. Her credit customers asked for their money back or asked for her to give the proper amount of goods or else they won't stay silent. Before she had even settled into the market, the market had already pushed her out.

She had to settle the matter but she also wanted to make profit, so she went to big restaurants in search of new buyers. Only now did Elena realize her lack of experience, obviously all the known food houses had their regular supply of spices so no one was interested in buying even when she used the Xalvadore family's name. It was getting more and more frustrating for Elena and the credit customers had started to stand in front of the Xalvadore residence to demand money.

Elena was greatly baffled. She had not only blemished the family reputation in the market but also made tremendous loss in just one month. Her inventories were starting to go bad and she was all confused about what to do and how to win. At this time when she was stuck in her own patronage while she was trying to manage accounts in the study, Xavier and Leo came in.

"Elder sister is something of the matter? You look down recently." Shu XinYi asked politely.

Elena was furious at this moment.

Shu XinYi continued "Elder sister, I know somethings about the dilemma you face, may I offer some advice?"

Leo naturally continued "Yes Elena, Xavi is an excellent adviser. I say from experience."

Elena found this funny, Xavier advice her? well let's hear how much better you are from me. Elena nodded saying, go ahead.

"Elder sister, first of all pay off those credit buyers with the correct amount of goods. So that your reputation as a seller maintains. Second, find a worker who knows how to keep the spices fresh since they will go bad if left alone in the warehouse. Thirdly, look for consistent buyers in the market and if you can't find them here, look for buyers at the trade pass."

Elena mocked Xavier inside his head. Is it really that you are better than me Brother? It is me who has won. Obviously whatever you say will also not solve these problems at all. Elena just nodded and left the room. For the next month she followed through Xavier's ideas. This was the last straw for Elena. Not only did Xavier's idea work really well, it even made a stable gateway for her to start up. How is it that everything is just good with brother Xavier? Father favors him more, Leo choses to stay loyal to him. Then why is it never the same for me.

There was nothing but hate in her mind for brother Xavier. She had already accepted her defeat in this matter but she won't let Xavier be. If she can't be the heir then neither can Xavier. Elena didn't buy an inventory for the third month and as expected by Mr.Lionne she ended her contract. She waited for the right time and the day Leo left to bring father home from the city gate she put her final plan in play.

Xavier was alone in the study and he was writing a letter to Arthur in city X about how to present the new designed cloth, when Carla came in with tea and left after serving him. Leo had already left to bring father and they would be back anytime soon.

WARNINGS: drug use, mentions of ra*e

Shu XinYi drank the tea knowing a little about Elena's plan. A minute after he had finished drinking, his senses started to blur a little. His heart rate went up by a lot and his whole body started to sweat. Shu XinYi could tell that it was some kind of aphrodisiac with dulling effects. Shu XinYi felt his body becoming sensitive little by little. His limbs had weakened by a lot.

In his dullness Shu XinYi heard the door close and someone said "Brother Xavier, how are you feeling. Do you feel sensitive anywhere but you are unable to do anything about it? Don't worry, The effects won't last for long just enough till father arrives."

Shu XinYi could barely hear anything but he had already planned for this. It took some effort for him to say "Why do you do t-this?"

"Why? because I want you to have a taste of my life for once. Having no control over the things that happen with you. From the day you were born, you took away everything from me. I am the one who should be the rightful heir, don't you think? After everything else you took from me, atleasy something should be mine."

Shu XinYi thought he heard something funny so he laughed with little effort saying "Eld-der sister, Even if I don't become the heir, then would you? Without Leo you are nothing. Y-you should realize that."

Elena grabbed Xavier's face and shouted "YOU DARE LAUGH!"

Shu XinYi only laughed more "I p-pity you sister. To make me lose, you disable me. Then you run alone on the field and claim that you won."

Elena was going crazier and crazier "You pity me? I am the one who pities your sorry state. Once father comes I will show you what a person who is pitiable looks like."

Elena ripped her clothes from various points and she tear stained her eyes looking like an abused women.

"Xavier look at me, who do you think father will believe? Me or you? I Wanted to kill you but the poison didn't work so well then. Will father still make an animal who r*pes his own sister, the heir?"

Shu XinYi only kept laughing. He wasn't laughing only because he wanted to make Elena go crazy but also because he felt a little ticklish all over his body because of the effects. Shu XinYi said after confirming something from snow "Elder sister do you know why Leo chose to stay loyal to me? Is it because I am a good man? or maybe because I don't bring up his mother's death in every conversation to control him?"

"What do you mean? Why?"

"You know what is love, right sister? Or maybe you don't bacuse if you did then you would know the answer." Shu XinYi said.

"What the hell are you saying?"

"Tch, it is just that you don't understand "love" well sister. You know why father won't believe you? Because father knows what love is. Do you think any trader will faint if their right hand man is poisoned? You don't understand but father does."

Elena had started to panic, she didn't understand Xavier's meaning very well but Xavier sounded confident that father would believe him. No it can't be. Whatever the case she can't back out now. Leo definitely won't tolerate a rap*st, no matter what.

Elena heard sounds of people walking towards the study and she could see that the effects of the aphrodisiac were slowly wearing of. This was the right time.

She held up Xavier's body and placed his hands on her own body then kissed him until the door opened. She screamed "Please stop it brother Xavier, enough"

Shu XinYi had also come back to his senses and gained control of his body, he pushed Elena away out of disgust. Leo entered the study with Father to this conspicuous scene.

Elena burst out in tears and tried to cover her body looking all shameful. Shu XinYi was trying to find some water, he hated the feeling of being kissed by someone he didn't like. He detested it.

Leo was the first one to act he brought a bowl of water and an empty bowl and offered it to Xavier saying lightly "I am sorry little bunny, I am really sorry I wasn't here." Then after seeing that Shu XinYi had washed his mouths a few times he walked towards Elena who was crying in front of father forming broken sentences. Leo first looked at Aldo saying "Forgive me master."

Then without any warning, slapped the crying Elena on the face. "THWACK"

The whole room became silent. Leo did not stop here. After slapping Elena he removed a clothing covering the sofa and covered it around Elena. Then he removed his own coat and covered it around Xavier whose lips were a little bruised, mainly from his own hands wiping off the kiss.

"Master, whatever decision you make after this matter I won't interfere. But I will say that do check that tea if it is infused with anything. You will know who is the real culprit. I shall leave with Xavi, master. If you have anything to discuss then you can call us down."

Leo left with Xavier and left Aldo and Elena alone in the study.

"Do I need to get that tea checked or are you willing to confess?" Aldo asked in a losing tone.

"I-I am at fault father."

Elena was angry more than guilty. Is it her fault that father refuses to make her the heir? "But father I-"

"Enough, I want to give you chances but you are eager to stoop lower and lower with every try. In 3 weeks decide who you want to marry. If you can't decide then I will decide for you."

"What! Father-"

"Do you have anymore ruin you want to cause me? Is becoming the heir so important to you? More important than a life. Than your own chastity? I have nothing to say. I have given you the choice now you decide."

Aldo left Elena alone in the study. Aldo had done his best but Elena was still her daughter, he couldn't bear to raise a hand on her. He also couldn't stop Leo from doing so since Elena did deserve it. Aldo had already given her a choice.

Leo took Xavier back to their room.

"I am really sorry, I should have anticipated something like this. Are you ok?" Leo said.

"Mhm." Shu XinYi was still disgusted by the feeling. So he had wiped his mouths a two few times. Leo kissed him. A very firm and passionate kiss, that took Shu XinYi's breath away. After he parted Leo said "Don't wipe it any longer. You will hurt yourself."

Shu XinYi didn't answer and kissed Leo again, his kiss was more fervent then the previous one. Leo held Xavier's body up and kissed him back. Letting Xavier do what he wants. After they were done with their exercise Shu XinYi was very tired.

"I have to go greet Isabel. She must be done resting now." Shu XinYi said.

"Rest for now. The drug effects are gone but your body is tired. I will wake you up for dinner." Leo said.

Shu XinYi nodded and let out a small yawn. His eyes tear stained, his cheeks blushing and his body full of love marks. The sight was enough simulation for Leo but he could only control himself. So he left the room after making sure that Xavier had slept.

He went down to talk to Master about the situation.

"Don't let Elena's mother and Isabel know of today's events Leo."

"Naturally, master."

"Is Xavier ok?"

"Yes he is resting well. Master may I be bold enough to ask, why do you plan to move to city X?"

"Ah, Xavi must have told you. I want to retire. Moving to city X is basically a retirement notice for me."

They talked about business and life, like father and son in law. Nothing too special but subtly peaceful. Leo wanted to make sure that father had truly accepted their love and after this conversation he became sure.

Shu XinYi went down after waking up. He greeted Isabel and first mother. Isabel excitedly told Xavier about the things she learned and what she planned to do in city X. She was happy to work for a future with Miss Lisa.

At dinner father asked Xavier about work "Father, Nothing much happened. I will show you the accounts after dinner. As for the outside world, father, you may know that the Connor family head has passed away and his only son Stephen Connor became the heir."

Father was somewhat aware of the situation "Oh yes , I heard about the news. Did you go to pay respects from our side?"

"No father, I couldn't find time but I did meet him at work. Stephen.. he seems lonely, the family treasury is filled but his home is empty. He is an excellent trader father, Even better than us. I hope he resolves his issues."

Isabel joined in "The Stephen that made the burnt bamboo soup in that sunflower house?"

"Yes, that one. Pity we grew apart as time went on."

Isabel said "No it's good that we grew apart he-"

Shu XinYi interjected "It's rude to speak behind people's back like this. Little izzy. Focus on eating."

Isabel wanted to say he was the worst scum who treated women and servents of his house like trash, even his own mother, but she listened to Xavier. What's the use of trash talking behind his back, maybe he is no longer like that anymore but well who cares.

Elena was quietly eating her food without any reactions but Shu XinYi could tell that she was interested in this talk. Elena will do anything to win from Xavier, even now. She can't be the heir of this family but what if she becomes the wife of an heir of an even better family?