Manipulative Harem God

"We are late because of you... Even our clothes are dirty," Zhou Jiajia's frustration echoed in the confined space of the car, the atmosphere tense as Zhang Wei drove them back, calmly smoking and seemingly impervious to her words.

Women's rants, he dismissed as the inconsequential noise in his life.

"Who gave you the green light for a nap? It's practically evening now because of your so-called 'one' hour nap that morphed into a full-blown eight-hour sleeping session," he retorted sharply.

"Ugh! I couldn't resist, but why didn't you wake me up?" Zhou Jiajia, her frustration escalating, felt the urge to pull her hair. Determined to salvage the situation, she swiftly retrieved her phone, intent on asking Hu Ning to arrange new clothes.

Zhang Wei, seemingly unfazed, remarked, "Hmm? If you can't handle it, leave me a text."

Zhou Jiajia nodded, the apprehension of her father's potential scolding adding an extra layer of problems to her already problematic life.

______

4th April, 7:30 pm...

"Hu Ning, wouldn't it be too formal?" Zhou Jiajia asked, gracefully stepping into the room in her newly bought blue gown, a vision of elegance.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wei sported a striking white suit that seemed to demand attention.

Their attire, though stylish, threatened to overshadow the main stars of the impending party.

Hu Ning responded casually, "Adjust with whatever is available."

Zhang Wei, seemingly unfazed, questioned with a hint of nonchalance, "What's wrong with clothes? Isn't it just a formal event?"

"..."

"..."

A brief pause filled the room as both Hu Ning and Zhou Jiajia turned around abruptly, their stares fixed on him.

Hu Ning's voice carried an incredulous tone as she stated, "You didn't read the invitation, right?"

Zhang Wei nonchalantly shrugged, "I handed it over to Meimei."

Zhou Jiajia sighed, her voice carrying a hint of weariness, "It's a pre-engagement party. The formal event will be held later at the capital. Not every type of person can be invited to formal events where heads of state are present, so a pre-engagement is hosted, which is kind of a real engagement but unofficial."

Zhang Wei, with a bemused expression, nodded, "Sounds like some rich people problems..."

Zhou Jiajia nodded in agreement, "It is."

Hu Ning interjected, her tone indicating impatience, "If you two are done, shall we go down?"

Zhang Wei shot a pointed glare at Hu Ning, questioning why she was in such a rush.

She began to act as if she didn't know him, and while Zhou Jiajia was pleased, Zhang Wei wasn't. "Jiajia, you go ahead. I'll catch up with you. I need to discuss something with Ning," he abruptly pushed Zhou Jiajia forward, earning an eye roll from her.

Zhou Jiajia scoffed, "Discussion?"

As if she didn't know what a man and a woman discuss behind closed doors.

*Smack!*

"What!?"

The moment Zhou Jiajia left, Zhang Wei struck hard over Hu Ning's bottom, the sharp sound echoing in the room. Her eyes widened, a hint of surprise and tears forming as she glared at him, stunned.

"What was that for?" Hu Ning demanded, her voice a mix of anger and surprise.

Zhang Wei, with a smirk, retorted, "Just reminding you of your place."

Hu Ning's eyes blazed with a mixture of anger and defiance, a tempest brewing within her. "And who the hell are you to remind me of my place?"

Zhang Wei leaned in, assertively pushing her towards the wall. She staggered slightly backward, her back against the cold surface, and he spoke with a sinister grin, "May I remind you that your fiancé has already turned into a eunuch?"

A shocked gasp escaped Hu Ning's lips, her eyes widening in disbelief. "I had nothing to do with him!" She turned her face to the side, avoiding his penetrating gaze.

Zhang Wei, undeterred, caught her chin, forcing her to stare back at him. "Whether you had anything to do with him or not, the fact is, now the only warmth you can get in life is through me. So, I suggest you accept it sooner and don't even think about messing behind my back anymore, or..."

"Or what?" Hu Ning challenged, her voice a mixed with curiosity, daring him to reveal his intentions.

Suddenly, she yelped in surprise, "Ahn!" Glancing down, she found Zhang Wei pinching her waist hard, a sharp pain radiating through her.

Zhang Wei, "Or I would..."

'...Break your legs and keep you at home...'

Although the words weren't spoken, the menace in Zhang Wei's eyes conveyed the unspoken threat. Hu Ning's chest heaved with anger, a surge of indignation coursing through her veins.

"What do you take me for?" Hu Ning spat the words, her eyes narrowing with eyes filled with resentment.

Zhang Wei laughed, a mocking tone underlying his amusement. "Take you for? You're just a piece on the board. Don't forget your place."

Enraged, Hu Ning retorted, "I am not some object for you to play with, Zhang Wei!"

His laughter continued, almost as if her protest fueled his amusement. Ignoring her words, he leaned forward, startling her, and forcefully kissed her lips.

!?

Hu Ning, caught off guard, pushed against his chest, her eyes reflecting a mixture of confusion and surprise.

Before she could fully react, he slapped her on the butt once more, adding insult to injury. "Behave, or I might need to teach you some manners, and I won't always be this polite."

As Zhang Wei cheerfully moved out of the room and descended down the stairs to join the party, Hu Ning stood there bewildered, her mind processing the audacity of his actions.

"Shameless bastard!" Hu Ning cursed, her jaws clenched, adjusting her dress with shimmering frustation.

Undeterred, she descended the stairs, her presence commanding attention.

As she moved down, she felt the collective gaze of the attendees, mostly in the age range of 20 to 30, enchanted by her beauty. However, their looks were fleeting, quickly averted, mindful of Sun Qiang's presence at the party. He stood in another corner with Wei Jun, casting an unspoken shadow over the event.

Zhou Jiajia skillfully navigated the crowd, engaging in conversations with acquaintances. She consciously avoided exposing her connection with Zhang Wei, maintaining a delicate balance in the social dance of the evening.

In a distant corner, Lisa enjoyed her drink, her eyes scanning the room with a sense of detached observation. Meanwhile, Xiong Mei, nervously anticipating Zhang Wei's arrival, feeling slightly out of the place, stood by the food, occasionally checking her phone.