Mu Qingge's carefree and straightforward departure shattered the romantic feelings that had just risen in Qin Jinhao's heart. His eyes darkened slightly, pondering something unknown.
In flowing white robes, Bai Xiyue slowly approached Qin Jinhao, gracefully curtsying and softly saying, "Xiyue is grateful to Prince Rui."
The beautiful woman like still water was right in front of him, her willow-like figure making Qin Jinhao temporarily forget Mu Qingge's odd behavior. He raised his hand to help Bai Xiyue up.
The delicate touch, trembling like a startled little animal, stirred something in Qin Jinhao's heart, adding a layer of strange emotion to his cold eyes.
At this moment, Bai Xiyue's heart was not calm either.
She indeed admired the godlike Prince Rui, but rarely had the chance to meet him, let alone such skin-to-skin contact as now. Suddenly, her fair and translucent cheeks turned red, like a freshly bloomed peach blossom, adding a captivating allure.
...
The Flower Picking House, one of the top places in Luodu's pleasure district.
It was also one of the places where Mu Qingge once played the role of a playboy, and her partner was none other than the lewd-faced Fatty Shao beside her.
Mu Qingge didn't elaborate on her acquaintance with Fatty Shao, merely mentioning that they became kindred spirits after a jealous brawl at the Flower Picking House.
Shao Yueze, though a Capital Commandant's son, had only mediocre talent, lingering at the Initial Rank of the Red Realm. The Shao Family had more than one heir, so they didn't hold high expectations for him and let him fool around outside.
In short, as long as he didn't cause any major trouble, he was allowed to do as he pleased.
However, despite Fatty Shao's lack of talent, he was still much better than the useless Mu Qingge. At least, he could cultivate.
Led by the madam, the two entered a heavily perfumed, gaudy room.
After the madam left with a sycophantic smile, clutching the silver, Fatty Shao couldn't wait to kick off his shoes, climb onto the bed, and insert a pre-prepared tool into a black hole in the wall, after taking down a painting.
Silently watching his skillful actions, Mu Ge's eye twitched hard, whispering almost inaudibly to Mu Qingge's soul, "I didn't expect you to have such a hobby."
"Qin's law dictates that no man may visit a brothel before becoming an adult, regardless of status. Violators shall be caned. This is also to encourage the populace to focus on cultivation. Besides, I'm a woman, after all. Such romantic affairs are beyond our firsthand experience. To live up to the name of a playboy, Fatty came up with this idea," Mu Qingge replied without a hint of embarrassment.
Heh, interesting. You can drink the flower wine, but not engage in any substantial activities. Is this law tormenting or restraining people? Mu Ge mused silently.
"Hehe..." Suddenly, a lewd, ambiguous laugh came from Fatty Shao's mouth.
Mu Ge glanced over to see his pig-like face blushing strangely, small eyes glazed with a springtime look. His ear was pressed tightly against the eavesdropping bamboo tube on the wall, fully immersed in the passionate scenes happening next door.
After a while, Fatty Shao awoke from his trance, noticing Mu Ge still sitting beside him. He hurriedly beckoned, "Boss, why are you spacing out? There's a show next door, one act after another!"
At this moment, the couple indulging in passion next door could never have guessed that just a wall away, two young men were eavesdropping.
Faced with Fatty Shao's invitation, Mu Ge's mouth twitched, utterly uninterested.
It wasn't shyness; in her previous life, what romantic scenes hadn't she seen? She was a non-commissioned officer, executing primarily covert missions. Eavesdropping was nothing compared to the full displays of passion she had witnessed.
"Ah! It's too thrilling! I can't take it, be right back." Fatty Shao tossed the bamboo tube into Mu Ge's lap and rushed out of the room.
As for what he went to do...
Well, Mu Ge understood well the natural physiological reactions of a hormone-driven adolescent.
After a stick of incense burnt out, Fatty Shao returned to the room invigorated. Seeing Mu Ge still sitting, he no longer eavesdropped but sat opposite her, pouring water for both of them.
"Boss, what really happened that day? Why did I hear them saying you left in a rage when I arrived, while He Cheng had a smug look? Then I heard you took your trusted aides out of Luodu to the Sunset Wilderness." Fatty Shao asked seriously.
Mu Ge knew about that day Fatty Shao mentioned. Mu Qingge had already recounted the events to her. Now, she relayed what happened that day as if retelling it.
Bam!
"That punk He Cheng dared to say that about you! Let's go, we'll settle this score with him. I wasn't there that day, but today I must help you vent your anger." As soon as Mu Ge finished speaking, Fatty Shao slapped the table, standing up indignantly.
Saying this, he reached to grab Mu Ge's sleeve to leave the Flower Picking House.
Mu Ge dodged his grab, her expression calm as she said, "He Cheng has already been tied up by my grandfather and thrown into the Mu Mansion. However, just now, Prince Rui requested him from me."
Upon hearing this, Fatty Shao immediately bent down, asking, "Boss, you didn't listen to Prince Rui and just send him back, did you?"
"Of course not." Mu Ge grinned, and her exquisitely beautiful features suddenly took on a diabolically charming look.
That diabolical expression made Fatty Shao's whole plump body shudder. Yet, he didn't think much of it and thumped his chest in assurance, "Boss, just say the word on how you want to deal with that punk. Even if it means poking a hole in the sky, Fatty will do it with you!"
Mu Ge's gaze fell on Fatty Shao. After a while, almost making the latter feel his entire body prickling, she suddenly laughed, "Fatty Shao, you're quite the character."