In an instant, all eyes were on us.
Every gaze in the place converged on Fang Zhixing’s direction.
A slight twitch curled at the corner of Fang Zhixing’s lips.
But the show must go on.
He laughed arrogantly and said loudly on purpose, "Hahaha, Su Niang truly has an eye for talent, knowing how to appreciate what a real man is!"
The old madam smiled apologetically, "Master Fang, please proceed to the third floor..."
Suddenly, Luo Kezhao called out and waved, "Old madam, roll over here."
The old madam turned her head to look, her smile instantly freezing.
"Ah, Master Luo Er, you’ve arrived!"
The old madam quickly regained her composure, producing an even brighter smile, waving her handkerchief, hurrying over, and bowing, "Master Luo Er, you haven’t visited in several days, I thought you wouldn’t come tonight either."
"Alas, it’s not that I didn’t want to come, it’s just that I’ve been too bothered by a myriad of troubles to make it."
Luo Kezhao’s face was clouded with gloom, and as he spoke, he gave Fang Zhixing a cold, disdainful glance.
Clearly, the troubles he referred to were largely related to Fang Zhixing.
"Where is Su Niang? I’d like to hear her play ’Broken Intestines,’ and also introduce a new friend to her."
Whilst saying this, Luo Kezhao gestured with his head towards the woman dressed as a man next to him, then leaned in and whispered something into the old madam’s ear.
The old madam’s face went through a series of changes, staring intently at the woman disguised as a man, and for some reason, a great sense of reverence flooded her eyes.
It wasn’t long before she turned around and hastily ran upstairs.
Upon witnessing this scene, the crowd couldn’t help but size up the woman dressed as a man, all of them curious about her identity.
Xigou was also shocked, and transmitted a message saying, "This young lady tastes the brothel houses, quite a taste indeed. She couldn’t be a lesbian, could she?"
Fang Zhixing’s brows furrowed slightly, then he approached and said with a bow, "I have seen Second Master."
Luo Kezhao glanced at Fang Zhixing and sneered, "Instructor Fang, quite elegant of you, coming to indulge in the pleasure quarters just after your promotion."
Fang Zhixing maintained a smile and spoke earnestly, "My humble self has loved music and performance arts since I was young. Today, I simply wanted to hear a tune and cultivate my sentiments."
No sooner had these words been spoken than the woman dressed as a man couldn’t contain her mirth and burst into laughter.
Her laughter was unrestrained.
It carried an unabashed mocking tone.
Seizing the moment, Fang Zhixing asked, "Second Master, may I inquire who this is?"
Luo Kezhao, hands behind his back, sneered, "She is a noble, her identity to be kept confidential for now, not something just anyone is privileged to know."
Other young masters chimed in agreement, "Yes, yes, her identity is secret."
Fang Zhixing couldn’t help but closely examine the woman disguised as a man, whose features were delicate, her skin smooth, and her looks truly outstanding.
He would even say, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen among all women.
"Alright, you guys stop frightening people."
The woman dressed as a man suddenly spoke out, smiling faintly at Fang Zhixing, "My surname is Luo, name Qianqian. By relation, Luo Kezhao is my uncle."
Fang Zhixing’s mind was jolted; she was the daughter of the Prefectural Governor.
Luo Xiangpeng had mentioned her before, saying that Sister Qianqian gave him a white cat, the same one that Xigou bit to death.
Although Fang Zhixing was quick-witted, he did not clumsily try to make connections and pretended he had never heard of her.
After all, Luo Kegong and Luo Xiangpeng might already be dead.
Even if they were alive, they were of no use to Fang Zhixing anymore.
Fang Zhixing had no desire to have any further entanglements with them.
So, he put on a very respectful demeanor, bowed his hands, and said, "I have seen Miss Qianqian, my apologies for the disrespect."
Luo Qianqian hummed in acknowledgment, merely nodding as a gesture of politeness, clearly assuming the attitude of someone superior, not paying much attention to Fang Zhixing.
But then, Luo Qianqian looked down at Xigou squatting in front of her, her eyes widening slightly in surprise, "Is this dog yours?"
Fang Zhixing replied, "Yes, it is."
Luo Qianqian squatted down and looked carefully before exclaiming, "Look, it’s not a common dog, it seems to be a Maned Wolf!"
The faces of Luo Kezhao and the others changed dramatically, as they bent down for a closer look, each of them surprised and curious, with some even stepping backward in fear of a bite.
Luo Qianqian looked up at Fang Zhixing, amazed, "Maned wolves are not dogs; they are naturally rebellious, impossible to tame, and will eventually turn on their owners. You are quite bold to keep such a thankless creature!"
Upon hearing this, Fang Zhixing’s expression instantly became incredibly animated.
Xigou became anxious at once and growled, "Dammit, you’re the thankless one, your whole family are thankless wolves, f***..."
Unfortunately, his words were all barks; aside from Fang Zhixing, no one understood him.
Then the old madam came down quickly from upstairs, wiping the beads of sweat on her forehead, and smiled apologetically, "Second Master Luo, Master Fang, and these other gentlemen, Su Niang invites you."
The onlookers exchanged glances, and then they all ascended the stairs.
They arrived at the largest private room on the third floor.
As Fang Zhixing stepped into the room, the first thing that caught his eye was a thick layer of velvety carpet on the floor, brightly colored, embroidered with blooming golden chrysanthemums.
At the end of the carpet, a crystal bead curtain divided the space.
Behind the curtain stood a translucent gauze screen.
In the flickering light, a captivating silhouette appeared behind the screen, elegant and supple, graceful and slender.
Merely seeing that person’s shadow made one’s imagination run wild, eager to barge in and see the true face.
A maid came out with two adorable dimples on her cheeks and a very sweet smile, she gave a curtsy and said, "Welcome, esteemed guests. Please take your seats."