“The Ten Fairy Tales of Hua Yong” — The Fox’s Hotel (Part II, complete): “Mr. Sheng, I want it.”
“Have you heard? The H Hotel in the forest just opened! It sits on the very highest point in the whole woods—the view is incredible!”
A squirrel cradled a nut, gnawing as he discussed the big news of the forest.
“How could I not have heard something that big?” The woodpecker stopped tapping, glared at the squirrel, and boasted, “Not only did I hear about it, I’ve already been there!”
“Really?” The sika deer lifted her chin, eyes shining with longing. “I’d love to go, but the little bear next-door says it’s so expensive even two jars of honey won’t buy you a single night.”
“It is pricey,” the woodpecker admitted, “but worth it—super-luxurious! Even the ushers who guide you are the prettiest white doves in the forest.”
“I heard the owner is a very beautiful, delicate fox.”
“Haha, I saw him too,” the woodpecker said smugly. “Opening day—I caught a glimpse through a window from afar. Quite a sight.”
“Wow?” The deer pressed. “How so?”
“Well, how to put it…” The woodpecker tilted his head, tapped the trunk twice with his long beak, then said, “He’s truly outstanding—beautiful in a way that’s almost a mystery.”
“Ah, I really want to see it,” the squirrel sighed dreamily. “Even if I have to save up, I’d stay one night just to meet that handsome Mr. Fox.”
“Who wouldn’t?” The deer let out a wistful breath. “They say even the tiger king, who’s pickier about lodging than anyone, has been so enchanted since checking into H Hotel he doesn’t want to leave.”
Perched on the highest ground, H Hotel was a cluster of Romanesque buildings linked by long galleries and stairways for guests’ convenience. The décor was sumptuous; lights blazed day and night, and even the marble in the lobby floor gleamed with aristocratic splendor.
A refined fragrance filled the air-conditioned halls—dew-laced freshness blended with the steady cool—to make every high-paying guest feel utterly relaxed.
This was no place for rustic bumpkins.
Yet even regular patrons had little chance of seeing the hotel’s master, Mr. Hua.
Aside from snipping the ribbon on opening day, he rarely appeared in public.
The wolf king arrives
One day, the wolf king of the neighboring forest, President Shen, arrived with his beloved little white rabbit, Mr. Gao, to stay at the hotel. The notice at reception made him bristle:
“Half-price rooms for local tigers?”
“Why half-price for local tigers?” he snapped, slapping the counter. “So you favor hometown tigers and discriminate against out-of-town wolves?”
“It’s not like that, sir,” the goat concierge in impeccable uniform explained. She lowered her voice. “It’s our owner’s personal rule. On opening night, the tiger king stayed here. No one in this forest dares offend him. Our boss went to greet him and was turned away at the door. To stay in his good graces, we had to offer the discount.”
“I recall there’s only one tiger family around here—the Shengs, right?”
“Exactly.” The goat straightened, wearing a strictly business smile. “Our ambitions are large; we can’t afford to cross the local nobility.”
“Oh, really?” The wolf king flung a black titanium VIP card onto the desk. “Meaning you can afford to offend me, but not the Shengs?”
Everyone in the animal kingdom knew the long-standing feud between the Shen wolves and the Sheng tigers. The usually smooth-talking goat had poked a hornet’s nest; unable to fix things herself, she had to summon the owner.
Enter Mr. Fox
The woodpecker hadn’t exaggerated—Mr. Hua was heart-stoppingly handsome.
He hurried over, no affectation yet extraordinary poise, wrapped in a rust-red silk suit; the orchid brooch on his chest sparkled like a cut diamond. Soft, fluffy hair brushed the backs of his ears, the ends slightly puffed; under the crystal lights it gleamed blue-black.
His skin was alabaster, as though untouched by sun. Standing by the bar-lounge sofa, lips pressed, he looked as if he’d stepped straight out of one of the lobby’s oil paintings.
“President Shen, good evening.”
Even his voice was beautiful—cool-toned, the tail of each word lingering, carrying a hint of innocent desire yet unmet.
“Evening,” Shen Wenlang said, deliberately tightening the arm draped over Gao Tu’s shoulders—staking a claim and soothing his self-conscious little rabbit all at once.
Mr. Hua lowered his gaze, the faintest chill in his eyes, yet he smiled. “You’ve come a long way with your companion, surely not to make trouble?”
“That depends.” Shen twirled the metal notice in his fingers. “Why give a half-price deal only to Mr. Sheng?”
Mr. Hua seemed stumped, dark eyelashes fluttering. For a moment he said nothing. Gao Tu noticed a flash of frost in his eyes before his expression turned politely soft again.
“I like him,” he said at last. “So I pay half out of my own pocket. Is that a problem?”
“Showing favoritism is the problem.” Shen straightened. “I want a discount too.”
“No.” Two uncompromising syllables slipped from those perfect lips.
Shen’s smile chilled; a predator’s light flashed in his eyes. “Why not? Just because you like him and not me?”
Mr. Hua glanced at the rabbit’s blood-drained face and suddenly laughed. “Why, do you want me to like you too?”
Damn it—just asking for a discount, why make it sound so ambiguous?
Worried his treasured rabbit might misunderstand, Shen squeezed Gao’s cold hand, then turned and glared daggers at Hua, temper barely leashed—he slammed a trash-bin over with his foot.
“Sir—!” the goat concierge cried, panic spreading as every gaze in the lobby swung toward them—including that of the tiger king himself, Mr. Sheng, who’d just stepped from his private lift amidst an entourage.
“What’s going on?” the forest king asked an aide.
“Seems someone’s quarreling,” Chen Pinming answered respectfully.
“Really?” The great cat lifted his eyes lazily. “Who?”
Translation: Who dares cause trouble under my nose?
Before anyone could reply, Sheng Shaoyou spotted Shen Wenlang. Sparks crackled between the two apex predators.
“Look who it is,” Shen sneered. “The big cat who begs for hotel discounts.”
Sheng’s laugh was icy. “Wolf king? What breeze blew you here?” Drawing closer, his gaze slid from Shen to Gao Tu. “Heard you picked up a new rabbit toy. Out walking him? Why not stay on your own turf? Oh—right. No decent hotels over there.”
“Who the hell picked up a rabbit toy? That’s my wife!” Shen shot back.
“Tch, rabbit and wolf?” Sheng’s eyes mocked. “Mm, quite the match.”
Rabbit and wolf—so what? Not illegal!
Stupid cat, mind your own business—watch that fox doesn’t ride you every night!
Grinding his teeth, Shen stroked Gao’s drooping ears to comfort him. “Ignore him, sweetheart. Cats don’t know how to say anything nice. That tiger’s crazy.”
“At least I’m saner than you,” Sheng retorted coolly. “I wouldn’t drag a rabbit back to a wolf den and call it ‘bride.'”
Enough was enough. Fearing Gao’s fright, Shen’s anger flared—he lunged, fist flying at Sheng’s face—only for a slim hand to catch his wrist, effortlessly.
Shit—forgot about the lust-blinded fox! He’s crazier than the cat.
Shen halted, jaw aching, and exaggeratedly glared at Hua.
Mr. Hua donned a frightened look; even his voice trembled. “President Shen, p-please don’t cause a scene.”
Damn! Your acting skills are as rich as your wallet! Shen fumed.
Sheng finally noticed the delicate fox beside the wolf. Not one to fuss over appearances, even he was momentarily dazzled: alabaster skin, bright almond eyes, finely arched nose, rosy lips—dressed in that rust-red silk that caught every light. The trousers were tailored for the snowy tail that arched high behind him.
Poor little thing—tail straight up with fright.
Sheng’s gaze drifted back to the fox’s face. The hint of timidity pricked his heart with a sweet ache. Beautiful, proud, and fragile.
“The wolf’s throwing a fit at a helpless little fox—some king you are,” Sheng scoffed.
Helpless? Heh—wait till that “fragile” fox has you pinned to a bed, see where you cry then. Shen pulled a face like a toothache.
Mistaking it for renewed provocation, Sheng snarled, “If you want to throw tantrums, do it on your own turf.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the fox gaze at him in open admiration, awe barely concealed. Sheng allowed himself a flicker of pride. In seconds, the fox’s expression shifted from surprise to worship—and finally, adoration. Basked in those shining eyes, Sheng’s vanity bloomed.
Shen, meanwhile, only wanted to retreat—with fox’s scheme working and worry for Gao’s nerves. After a few barbed exchanges he abruptly backed off.
“Forget it,” Shen snorted. “No point stooping to argue with a neurotic fox and a gullible big cat.”
“Gullible?” Sheng sniffed. “Who’s more gullible than the dumb bunny behind you?”
Shen itched to spar further—but the fox’s tail was about to hit the ceiling. A raised fox tail meant heat and a fierce urge to mate. Knowing the situation too well, Shen dragged Gao away before trouble exploded.
With the wolf gone, the fox visibly relaxed—water-mist vanished from his eyes, leaving a deep, oily gleam. Yet he kept looking at Sheng, gaze almost tangible, a silken thread.
Sheng felt a strange thump in his chest.
“Mr. Sheng.” The fox’s rosy lips parted, chin ticking upward in shy dependence. “Thank you.”
“May I buy you a drink?” He asked hopefully, almost gingerly.
Sheng never drank at night, yet nodded.
In the executive lounge
The usually bustling lounge was deserted; even the staff melted away after serving their drinks. Sheng reclined on the sofa, arm lazily slung along the backrest.
“Why was that wolf after you? Some past grievance?”
“No.”
The fox—Hua Yong—sat primly opposite, hands on knees, voice soft. “I only offered you a discount. He was displeased, so…”
His shoulders curled shyly, voice sugary and restrained, yet he suddenly lifted his head and confessed with boldness:
“Mr. Sheng, I actually noticed you long ago. Opening day, I wanted to strike up a conversation, but you never even looked at me.
“You may not know me, but I like you—very much.”
Those lovely eyes shimmered; his fingers clenched until their tips blanched. “It’s fine if you don’t like me back. I just… just wanted you to know. Even if nothing more comes of it.”
As he spoke, his snowy, fluffy tail stood high, yet his head bowed in shame—shame at his fervent, inexplicable love.
The unconditional admiration intrigued Sheng. Yet everyone knew the tiger king loved no one but himself. He almost dismissed it—almost.
Instead, he crooked a languid smile. “You like me?”
The fox nodded minutely, gaze downcast.
Sheng beckoned with a finger. “Come here.”
Startled, the fox looked up like a frightened rodent.
“This is a one-time chance. Refuse, and that’s that.”
“I want it.” He rose at once, half-crouched before Sheng, repeating softly, “Mr. Sheng, I want it.”
“Good boy.” Sheng’s thumb brushed the fox’s lip. If a good boy wants, a good boy should have—reward from the superior to the submissive.
Hua turned his face, pressing a gentle kiss to Sheng’s fingertip; soft lips and tongue tracing knuckles, warming Sheng’s skin until it burned. Those mist-dark eyes flickered with fire.
Cool orchid scent coiled around; Sheng’s pulse raced.
He let Hua worship his fingers—fingertips, palm, back of hand. His free hand dropped, and breathing grew rough. He tugged the fox’s tie, pulling him stumbling into his lap.
“Little fox,” he rasped.
“I’m here,” Hua murmured against his chest, greedily inhaling his oak-and-liquor scent.
Sheng held the tie like a kite string; one twitch could send the fox soaring. He patted his thigh. “Sit.”
Eyes turbulent, Hua straddled him with swift elegance, slender arms encircling Sheng’s neck.
“You’re so light,” Sheng whispered against a flushed ear. “A little fox like you should be careful—when I’m hungry, I swallow one in a bite.”
Hua’s palm pressed Sheng’s nape over his pheromone gland—light but unyielding. The searing kiss landed without warning; soft lips sealed Sheng’s mouth, hand locking his neck so he could only yield.
Fox strength was greater than Sheng expected—heartbeat thundered, breaths ragged. The fluffy tail first stood rigid, then dropped, its silky tip nudging Sheng’s inner thigh irrepressibly.
Cold orchid perfume turned to fire; Sheng’s body felt hijacked, pleasure and pain squeezed in Hua’s pale hands. The kiss was endless; the fox ruled from Sheng’s lap, reducing the forest lord to ragged sighs and needy hums.
That night in the forest was both impossibly short and ridiculously long. The beautiful fox, pure in his adoration, taught Sheng what it meant for a spring night to be worth a thousand gold.
Sheng realized he should never talk big again. No matter how hungry, he could never swallow this fox in one gulp.
Near dawn, he almost begged him to stop.
The fox—insatiable—kissed his damp temple, teasing, “Mr. Sheng, didn’t you say you could swallow a fox in one bite? Seems tigers aren’t that good at eating foxes.”
Enough—really enough. Even the finest meal can’t be devoured through a sleepless night.
“Mr. Sheng?” Hua lay at his side, soft palm kneading the small of Sheng’s back. “Did I hurt you?”
When the sore muscle was pressed Sheng hissed, but pride made him mutter, “No.”
“The wolf king was scary—I was so frightened.” The fox cuddled closer. “You’ll protect me from now on, won’t you?”
Having spent the whole night being devoured by the fox, Sheng’s heart softened. He patted Hua’s back soothingly. “Mm. I will.”
“Really?” Hua lifted his head, eyes gleaming greedily. “With Mr. Sheng by my side I’ll never fear bullying again. They’ll all be afraid of me.”
Months later, officially dating the fox, the tiger king took him home to the neighboring forest. There, Sheng found everyone truly was afraid of foxes—hugging walls, not daring a direct look.
Was his own renown so great it spread beyond forests? Delighted, Sheng basked in the thought that his fragile fox could now lord it over others by borrowing the tiger’s power.
He never considered: if the fox were truly weak, how could he, in so short a time, build such a grand hotel on foreign ground—charging sky-high rates, yet making even the fiercest black bear pay meekly?
The happy tiger would never believe that from the start, what everyone feared was the fox himself—who’d spare no expense to cross forests, erect a luxury hotel and lie in wait for a mate.
Still, love is the only motive that makes even lies romantic.
(The End)
The story is completed! Thank you for reading this translation. I hope it’s understandable 🙂
The author (Nong Jiang) will write a story about Shen Wenlang’s father x daddy: Shen Yu (alpha) x Ying Yi (omega) once the drama “Desire” finished. I’m not sure whether I will translate the story after it published or not. Let’s see!