Going to meet Tang Wanju aside, this was Zhao Changhe’s first time visiting a brothel in his life.
At this moment, he should thank Xia Chichi, at least having had intimate moments with a woman, although not genuine, it was somewhat close. If he had come to a brothel a few days earlier, any girl approaching him would probably make his whole body tense up, resembling an inexperienced chick, even Han Wubing noticed back in the day.
Han Wubing was a friend; being made fun of by him was one thing, but he couldn’t afford to show weakness in front of others. After all, he was a notorious Bloodthirsty Shura, right? If someone saw that this so-called fierce person blushed at the approach of a woman, tomorrow the whole world would laugh their heads off. No wonder his so-called "Mountain Village Chief Wife" ran away.
How would he ever be able to mingle in the Worldly Society after this...
"This is our Xiao Xiang Inn’s star performer, Ruyan." Wan Dongliu smiled, "Ruyan, take good care of Young Master Zhao, make him satisfied and you’ll surely be rewarded."
Ruyan, embodying the shy and demure look of an innocent girl, shyly sat next to Zhao Changhe, her eyes lowered, giving off a respectable vibe that provoked a desire to conquer. Then, biting her lower lip shyly, her fair hand touched her cup, and she softly said, "Ruyan toasts Young Master, your heroic reputation is known throughout the world, Ruyan has long admired..."
The scent of fragrance approached, her soft jade shoulders touched him, under ordinary circumstances Zhao Changhe would have tensed up immediately, but now he almost had no reaction, just smiling and drinking his cup. He didn’t hug the girl next to him like Wan Dongliu did, nor did he avoid her like a snake, too familiar with these tricks, he leaned back in the chair relaxedly, playing the part of an experienced Worldly Society old-timer perfectly.
It wasn’t merely about keeping up appearances; he knew very well that in the Worldly Society people wait like predators for any sign of weakness, presenting himself as inexperienced might invite all sorts of trouble, but looking seasoned would keep others from making rash moves.
Sure enough, Wan Dongliu, hugging his own girl, laughed and said, "Ruyan, Young Master Zhao has been a Mountain Village Chief, what noblewoman hasn’t he been with? Why bother with the charade, who are you performing for?"
Zhao Changhe secretly thought he indeed fell for such acts, but though the Miss Ruyan was pretty, she really paled in comparison to Tang Wanju, immune to it... however, he waved his hand and said, "Ah, Brother Wan, you know I’ve been around with many women, these gestures mean little, just the atmosphere will do."
Wan Dongliu laughed loudly, "Exactly, Zhao Brother must be aiming for Yue Hongling, or Cui Yuanyang? Compared with them, this brothel truly lacks flavor..."
"But on the other hand, even if Zhao Brother gets his wish someday, they can’t give you the tender care like Ruyan does, this is different."
"That’s true, that’s true." Watching Ruyan’s timely sorrowful eyes next to him, Zhao Changhe really couldn’t continue along this line, coughing twice, he changed the subject, "Brother Wan, it’s strange though, my reputation should be more widespread up north, in Jiangnan at most peek at the ’Chaotic World Book’, how come you seem to know me better than the northerners, even nicknames have come out?"
Wan Dongliu leisurely said, "This is a hub for Cao Gang operations, information spreads denser here, making it easy for one to become famous; these are one aspect. Secondly, the Maitreya Sect has indeed supported Zhao Brother, though in our analysis, Zhao Brother and the Maitreya Sect have no connection." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NoveIＦire.net
Zhao Changhe was astonished, "They? Supporting me?"
"Indeed." Wan Dongliu smiled, "The Maitreya Sect and the Four Symbols Sect have a rocky relationship over fundamental doctrines, which is more significant than the profits at hand, this conflict could even be more severe than conflicts with the orthodox or the Imperial. And Zhao Brother is a traitor of the Blood God Sect under the Four Symbols Sect, hostile to the Four Symbols Sect; you also killed Luo Zhenwu, suspected to be a Prince, wanted by the Imperial, later withdrawn due to saving a girl from the Cui Family... in every sense, to the Maitreya Sect, Zhao Brother could be seen as a potential ally."
Zhao Changhe almost spit out his drink.
Here he was, intending to find trouble with the Maitreya Sect, and heaven knows they actually considered him an ally.
Thinking about it, it did make sense, especially by the Ancient Sword Lake, in the eyes of the Maitreya Sect, it was he and Han Wubing who had held Xia Chichi hostage, nearly driving the Four Symbols Sect to their wits’ end... From the perspective of the Maitreya Sect, this certainly fit the enemy of my enemy.
With this in mind, Zhao Changhe’s gaze towards Wan Dongliu carried a hint of amusement. Your enthusiasm toward me, is it because you’re with the Maitreya Sect?
The Maitreya Sect was active in Jiangnan, and the Cao Gang was the local power here; the two couldn’t avoid interacting, either deadly foes or one of their own. Looking at this brothel, Tang Wanju had mentioned the Maitreya Sect indulging in licentious deeds, so it was very likely someone from the Maitreya Sect.
Deliberately saying "in our analysis, Zhao Brother has no connection with the Maitreya Sect," obviously, you would know that there was no connection.
Wan Dongliu was saying, "So it’s normal for the Maitreya Sect to promote Zhao Brother, don’t find the title Blood Shura disagreeable, to the Maitreya Sect, it probably sounds quite pleasant. Of course, this promotion is mainly to discredit the Four Symbols Sect; in their mouths, the new Holy Daughter of the Four Symbols Sect has been played out by Zhao Brother, the squad leader of Blood God Sect can be easily killed, even the Sect Hierarch can’t stop him, and so on. In the process of promoting, Zhao Brother’s image is undoubtedly elevated, regarded as renowned through this region..."
Zhao Changhe, "I really should thank their Sect Hierarch for them."
Wan Dongliu smiled, "Let’s not talk about the Maitreya Sect. Don’t know what brought Zhao Brother, a fierce tiger, to Jiangnan? Is there anything our brothers can help you with?"
Zhao Changhe said, "I just helped you catch a thief, this enthusiasm of yours makes me a bit uncomfortable."
Wan Dongliu shook his head, "Caught a thief? Zhao Brother, do you know who that thief is?"
"Jiangnan figures, Zhao indeed doesn’t recognize, please enlighten me, Brother Wan."
"That is the famous Empty-Handed Master, Ji Chengkong."
Zhao Changhe thought for a moment; the name wasn’t on the Chaotic World Book: "I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of him."
"In any case, he’s a thief in Jiangnan who causes a lot of headaches. He has one peculiarity, not only does he like to steal things, but he also likes to peep into others’ secrets. If he can steal and spread evidence, that is his favorite thing to do," Wan Dongliu sighed. "So, Brother Zhao, do you know why I, who wield quite some power, still chase thieves alone..."
"You mean he has stolen some private matter of yours?"
"Correct. Brother Zhao may consider it a trivial matter, but to me, it is no less significant than saving a life. Of course, please forgive me for not elaborating further."
Saving you from social death, huh... Zhao Changhe found it quite amusing upon hearing this. The Worldly Society was vast indeed, home to all kinds of characters, and this Ji Chengkong seemed quite entertaining. He then asked, "Brother Wan, how do you plan to deal with Ji Chengkong? Intend to kill him?"
"He hasn’t caused any impact yet, and I’m not that fond of killing, but I am worried he might revert to his old ways, so releasing him isn’t convenient either. I had planned to detain him for a while..." Wan Dongliu glanced thoughtfully at Zhao Changhe: "Brother Zhao, do you mean to plead for him? He did just try to steal your money."
Zhao Changhe waved his hand and laughed, "No, I just find the characters in Jiangnan quite fascinating and insightful. Come, let’s drink."
Wan Dongliu burst out laughing, "Ruyan, now it’s your turn."
Ruyan, who had been listening to Zhao Changhe speak with apparent admiration, finally broke into a smile and moved closer: "Young Master..."
Zhao Changhe fully played the experienced act, welcoming everyone amiably, yet his interest deepened.
Wan Dongliu certainly had plans of his own, far beyond merely helping him catch a thief.
If he was from the Maitreya Sect, was he really pulling him onto the battlefield?
The host and guest began to drink and laugh, discussing meaningless Worldly Society affairs interspersed with the flattering giggles of the ladies, enjoying the banquet to its fullest until night fell.
Wan Dongliu, sensing the cue, embraced his own girl and bade farewell with a laugh: "Ruyan, take good care of Young Master Zhao tonight."
Ruyan blushed with a hint of allure, bashfully lowering her head.
Zhao Changhe also put on the air of looking forward to a treat, wrapping his arm around her with a cheerful laugh, and headed to the guest room.
The door closed, and Ruyan asked shyly, "Young Master... shall I serve you in bathing?"
Zhao Changhe, unable to wait, swept her up and leapt towards the bed:
"Enough with the formalities, I am in a hurry!"
"Oh, be gentle, Young Master Zhao, you are so impatient..."
The person outside shook their head and retreated.
It wasn’t wise to eavesdrop; Zhao Changhe, from the Hidden Dragon List, had sharp senses, and it wouldn’t be good to be discovered.
Unknown to anyone, just after the person left, Zhao Changhe quickly tapped Ruyan’s sleep acupoint and leapt up from the bed.
Where was the impatience in those clear, bright eyes?
"Only idiots get involved with a woman suspected of the Maitreya Sect, not knowing how they could be manipulated..." Zhao Changhe carefully took out a set of night clothes from his pack, put them on, and swiftly leapt out of the window, vanishing into the night.
The biggest problem was that one might think the room had only been occupied for three seconds... but bigger matters were at stake.
The target, to track Wan Dongliu.
PS: Taking a break tonight, I’ve been adding a lot lately and my brain is a bit stiff. I’ll add more tomorrow.