"Go on in and take a look!"
Zhou Chen wasn't shy. In his past life, though he didn't accomplish much, he often spent money to help out those poor girls on the streets.
Since it was early in the morning, although Snow Moon Square's door was open, there weren't many people around.
As soon as he walked in, a well-preserved madam in her thirties approached. Seeing Zhou Chen's young and handsome appearance, her eyes lit up.
"Oh my, it's your first time here!"
As she spoke, a waft of fragrance engulfed him. The madam was already holding Zhou Chen's arm with a broad smile, leading him inside.
"Hmm?"
Zhou Chen suddenly sensed a familiar aura and looked up abruptly, seeing County Captain Zhang Long coming down from the second floor with three constables.
Those constables were the same three who had accompanied him to catch the vile tiger earlier. It seemed they were Zhang Long's trusted aides.
"Do you know County Captain Zhang?"
The madam saw this and asked out of curiosity.
Zhang Long was quite a prominent figure in Qinghe County.
"Previously, County Captain Zhang went to Dahe Village to eliminate the vile tiger. I had the honor of leading him and witnessing his prowess."
As he spoke, Zhang Long seemed to sense something and looked towards Zhou Chen.
Upon seeing Zhou Chen, Zhang Long was slightly taken aback, but quickly withdrew his gaze and left Snow Moon Square with his men.
"That young fellow seems to have pretty good archery skills!"
Zhang Long suddenly remarked.
Zhou Chen's tracking skills were impressive, as Zhang Long had experienced. Zhou Chen obviously made a decent amount of silver from hunting, since he had money to come here.
"Boss, you're right. That guy's archery is indeed formidable. He's become quite well-known in Dahe Village recently!"
Zhao Hu agreed:
"Just after we left Dahe Village, that kid went hunting and took down two wild boars. They say he only used four arrows, each shot perfectly into the boar's eyes!"
"Afterward, he also hunted several sika deer and other game. It's said he has great strength, able to carry a 400-pound wild boar down the mountain by himself!"
"He should have learned some martial arts and isn't lacking in skill. Recently, he should have developed his stamina and blood."
Zhang Long nodded, not surprised.
He had some guesses based on Zhou Chen's physique and demeanor.
"Planning to recruit him?"
Zhao Hu, intrigued, inquired.
"Indeed, his tracking and archery skills are commendable, and despite his young age, even if he hasn't learned martial arts, he possesses innate divine power, with great potential!"
Zhang Long didn't hide his intentions. As the county captain, he needed to recruit capable subordinates. Although Zhao Hu and the others were decent, their talents were relatively ordinary.
"Let me go bring him over then!"
"Wait!"
Zhang Long raised his hand to stop Zhao Hu and said calmly:
"It's his first time at Snow Moon Square, and you're going to interrupt his fun? What do you think you're doing?"
Zhao Hu was embarrassed, rubbing his nose.
He had naturally heard what the madam had said. Given her discerning eye, if she said it was Zhou Chen's first time, it definitely was.
"There's no rush for this!"
Zhang Long, walking with Zhao Hu and the others, told him: "Go investigate Zhou Chen's details secretly, and make sure no one knows."
"Yes, boss!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Hu felt even more ashamed, realizing why he remained a subordinate.
He truly was too reckless.
Having only heard some rumors about Zhou Chen, without knowing any specifics, he thought about rushing to recruit. Wasn't that ridiculous?
If Zhou Chen turned out to be problematic, wouldn't it be like inviting a wolf into the house?
Zhao Hu accepted the order and hurried off.
Watching his back, Zhang Long shook his head slightly.
What a brute!
Truly a tiger!
Zhang Long couldn't help but think of Zhou Chen. Though their interaction had been brief, Zhou Chen had left a favorable impression: cautious and composed.
Like how, after he killed the vile tiger, when other Chong Ghosts didn't appear, Zhou Chen surely wanted to ask about it, but he held back until they descended the mountain and returned to the village.
Clearly, he was concerned that should Zhang Long be displeased, he might eliminate him on the spot. But once back in the village, there would be some scruples.
Not dwelling on it further, Zhang Long took the remaining two constables to clock in at the county government office.
Inside Snow Moon Square.
Zhou Chen possessed the Thunder Light Ruyi Hand, a miraculous skill that with just a slight trick, delighted the thirty-something madam, Sister Hong.
[Wind and Moon Points +1]
"Sister Hong, it's my first time here, don't try to fool me. Of course, I'm a bit short on cash now, so you'd better give me a discount..."
Zhou Chen looked at Sister Hong, chuckling:
"Now all I have left is this skill. It's still quite okay!"
"You don't seem like a newcomer!"
Sister Hong rolled her eyes playfully at Zhou Chen. This young man seemed honest but was definitely a seasoned player.
Even though it was his first time here.
He must have visited other places quite often.
Even as experienced as she was, she found herself defenseless against Zhou Chen.
"You're quite the businessman, wanting both quality and affordability. Where in the world do you find such good deals?"
Sister Hong teased.
[Wind and Moon Points +1]
"Sister Hong, you're mistaken about that. This skill of mine is worth at least ten taels of silver, so how is it inexpensive?"
Zhou Chen chuckled, a meaningful smile on his face.
"Alright, alright, I'll have Miaotong accompany you. Just a symbolic price, two taels of silver!"
Sister Hong found it a bit difficult to handle, quickly agreed, and shouted, "Miaotong, come out and serve the guest!"
During the day at Snow Moon Square, most of the girls are resting because there aren't many customers, but there are still quite a few who like or can only come during the day.
Thus, Snow Moon Square is also open during the day, just not as lively as at night.
Before long.
A cold, stunning woman slowly stepped out, dressed in a light yellow long dress, her skin fair as coagulated cream, delicate and tender.
Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back, her figure was voluptuous, making hearts flutter at the sight.
"Not bad!"
Zhou Chen withdrew his hand and said contentedly,
"Sister Hong is indeed an honest person!"
Saying this, Zhou Chen took out two taels of silver and stuffed it into Sister Hong's ample bosom.
"You little rascal!"
Sister Hong rolled her eyes at Zhou Chen and hurriedly left, clenching her legs.
She needed to go back to her room to change clothes.
Zhou Chen's skills were too impressive.
"I'm Miaotong, nice to meet you, sir. How may I address you?"
The woman in the yellow dress came up to Zhou Chen, giving a delicate bow, her waist like a willow, her brows like distant mountains, mixing coldness with a touch of fragility, evoking care.
"My surname is Liu, Liu Yong!"
Zhou Chen held the woman's soft, fair hand to help her up, then unceremoniously wrapped his arm around her slender waist, smiling slightly.
He spent two taels of silver and had to get his money's worth today.
Earn Wind and Moon Points.
He had just earned five from Sister Hong.
The speed was quite fast, perhaps because Sister Hong was new and hadn't been approached before.
He was filled with anticipation.
"So it's Master Liu!"
Miaotong smiled softly, lifting a fair hand to gesture:
"This way, please, Master Liu!"
Zhou Chen led her to her room, which was exquisitely and elegantly decorated, with a faint fragrance lingering in the air.
Miaotong helped Zhou Chen sit down, her fair hand pouring wine.
Zhou Chen picked up the wine cup, took a light sip but did not swallow, cautious while traveling outside.
[Aphrodisiac powder: Can temporarily rouse male vitality, enhancing the experience...]
"Damn!"
Zhou Chen was speechless, not expecting there to be drugs involved.
But thinking about it, it made sense, as many people lacked ability, so Snow Moon Square added a little something to the wine to give customers a better experience, increasing the likelihood of future visits.
"Is there medicine in this wine?"
Zhou Chen spit out a mouthful, speaking coldly.
"Please understand, sir. There are indeed some secret ingredients in the wine, but they are harmless to the body, only to enhance the experience. Please forgive me!"
Miaotong was terrified, hurriedly apologizing.
She had encountered this situation before, and it wasn't a big deal, as many regular customers knew about it.
Saying so, Miaotong picked up Zhou Chen's wine cup and drank the remaining wine in one go.
"I see, it's indeed not poison, but I don't need it!"
Zhou Chen's expression softened, but inside he was delighted.
Because he discovered a new ability of the Wind and Moon Treasure Mirror.
[Aphrodisiac powder formula: Bajitian, Cistanche, Dodder Seed, Sichuan Break, Dog's Spine, Gecko, Cynomorium, Dodder, Tiger Bone, Cyan Sun Grass...]
The Wind and Moon Treasure Mirror can not only detect poison but also analyze the formula and even improve it with Wind and Moon Points.
But having only tested the aphrodisiac powder for poison, Zhou Chen wasn't sure if the Wind and Moon Treasure Mirror could detect other types of poison.
After all, the Wind and Moon Treasure Mirror's name was quite unserious, and perhaps could only identify poisons related to romance.
"Maybe I can sell medicine for a profit..."
Seeing the ability to improve the formula, Zhou Chen's mind became lively.
"Sir, this wine doesn't contain any medicine, I will punish myself by drinking three times more to apologize!"
Miaotong brought another pot of wine, softly saying.
"Skip the wine punishment, I'll personally punish you!"
Zhou Chen had to be home before dark and didn't have time to dawdle with her.
Zhou Chen picked up Miaotong and threw her on the couch.
Moreover, Zhou Chen noticed many props in the room, showing that people in this world knew how to have fun.
He wondered if props could enhance his acquisition of Wind and Moon Points?
"Let's try them out one by one later!"
However, Zhou Chen did not forget the important purpose of coming here—to gather information.
Brothels often have well-informed sources.
These women interact with many customers of all kinds, and they know much more news than ordinary people.
After torturous interrogations, Miaotong's eyes were watery, her body limp, breathing shallowly.
Zhou Chen began to inquire:
"Miaotong, I'm planning to do business in Qinghe City. What should I be cautious of here, like people who shouldn't be offended?"
…