Chapter 19: Lanlan’s Story

“Young Master Ye, may I ask why you came to the Pleasure House?”

Liu Liwa’s question left Young Master Ye stunned. The others also did not understand why he asked this, but since Young Master Ye had agreed to let him ask, Shen Zuijin and Wang Meng nearby could not protest.

Earlier, Young Master Ye said he came to Intoxication Pavilion because he had long heard of Miss Liuyun’s fame and came specifically for her. But Liu Liwa was asking why he came to the Pleasure House. This question was simple yet complicated. If he were a frivolous playboy, he would say he came for fun and pleasure. If he were a hypocrite, he would say he came to drink and chat, recite poems and exchange verses.

Now the question was directed at Young Master Ye. He definitely would not admit to being a playboy, but if he were an elegant person, he would never lose his temper over a songstress and disregard his dignity. For a moment, he was caught in a dilemma and could not answer.

Shen Zuijin saw the situation and feared that Young Master Ye would be embarrassed and get even angrier. She immediately signaled with her eyes for Wang Meng to step forward. But then, Liu Liwa spoke again: “Actually, Young Master, you don’t need to answer. I think everyone present here at Intoxication Pavilion has only one goal: to seek a feeling of relaxation and joy.”

Everyone nodded upon hearing this, including Young Master Ye. Pursuing happiness and ease in life was only natural. These words did not sound as lowly as seeking mere pleasure, nor were they as artificial as pretending to be refined.

Liu Liwa smiled slightly and said clearly, “Since everyone only wants relaxation and ease, why are you now spoiling your own fun? I know many people came here for Miss Liuyun. But Miss Liuyun is also human. Humans eat grains and can get sick. Her throat is swollen and painful, and she has now lost her voice. Do you know why? It’s because Miss Liuyun practiced hard in private to bring you beautiful and melodious songs. As the saying goes, one minute on stage takes ten years of practice offstage. Usually, you see the radiant Miss Liuyun, but you don’t know that she practiced until her hands were sore and her voice was hoarse. It was because of Miss Liuyun’s hard work that she brought you so much joy and pleasure in the past. How can you not forgive her for one mistake?”

Everyone fell silent at his words. They recalled how Miss Liuyun was like a goddess in their hearts. But even goddesses need to use the toilet! You cannot let a goddess hold it in and suffer just because you find going to the toilet disgusting!

However, Young Master Ye was still upset: “This is my first time here, and I came specifically for Miss Liuyun. If she cannot bring me the joy and pleasure I want, then forget it. I’ll just go somewhere else!”

With that, Young Master Ye did not pursue the matter further and turned to leave. This meant Miss Liuyun was saved, but Intoxication Pavilion would lose a big customer, a wealthy patron—and one from Capital City, whom they most wanted to please.

Shen Zuijin’s face immediately changed. She had originally planned to use the simplest method: punish Liuyun in front of Young Master Ye to calm him down. But she did not expect Liu Liwa to interfere. She glared fiercely at Liu Liwa and whispered, “If Young Master Ye leaves just like that, I’ll skin you alive!”

If there weren’t a gorilla-like enforcer nearby, how dare you talk to me like that? I’d strip you naked first!

Liu Liwa thought bitterly. But precisely because of the gorilla enforcer, he felt it was very likely that Shen Zuijin would skin him. So, he quickly stepped forward to stop Young Master Ye and said, “Young Master Ye, wait a moment. Earlier, you said you came all the way from Capital City just to enjoy Miss Liuyun’s songs. Now you say you want to go to another Pleasure House. Please ask everyone here: in Linyu County, which other Pleasure House has a ‘Miss Liuyun’?”

Young Master Ye was taken aback and looked at the other guests nearby. Their faces were full of regret. If other Pleasure Houses had someone like Miss Liuyun, people wouldn’t be scrambling to come to Intoxication Pavilion. By saying this, Liu Liwa implied that if Young Master Ye left, it would be like slapping his own face. Liu Liwa continued, “Young Master, you come to the Pleasure House for relaxation and happiness. Why must you insist on songs? Intoxication Pavilion offers a wide variety of programs with endless options. There must be one that suits you.”

Liu Liwa loudly proclaimed Intoxication Pavilion’s slogan. Shen Zuijin, assessing the situation and seeing the turn of events, immediately stepped forward and said, “Yes, yes, Young Master Ye, please calm down. Why not sit down, try our fine wine, and let a girl play drinking games with you?”

As soon as Shen Zuijin spoke, the other girls also went forward to find their patrons or favorites. Sweet, coaxing voices filled the air. But now, the guests seemed to be waiting for Young Master Ye’s lead. They heard Young Master Ye say coldly, “Other Pleasure Houses may not have Miss Liuyun, but they have other girls and fine wine too!”

Hearing this, it was clear Young Master Ye was determined to leave. Shen Zuijin said reluctantly, “Young Master, if you don’t like it, Intoxication Pavilion also has Miss Caiyue, who is equally talented and beautiful.”

Young Master Ye snorted coldly and turned to leave. Shen Zuijin was frantic and felt like turning around to bite Liu Liwa. Behind Liu Liwa, Wang Meng stood glaring fiercely. Liu Liwa simply steeled himself and boldly suggested, “Since everyone is here to have fun, how about I tell you a story? It’s the latest entertainment form at Intoxication Pavilion. If you’re not interested after listening, then you can leave!”

Liu Liwa’s words left no room for argument, giving him some initiative. Young Master Ye turned back and looked at him curiously. He had visited many Pleasure Houses and seen girls dancing and singing, drinking and playing games, even undressing and sleeping—but he had never seen a man tell a story in a Pleasure House.

The others were also curious. For a moment, everyone calmed down. Liu Liwa smiled and said, “Ladies, don’t just stand there. Pour wine and tea for the young masters and gentlemen…”

At Liu Liwa’s call, Intoxication Pavilion shifted from passive to active. The girls immediately used their strongest charms to pull the guests back to their seats, pouring wine and tea, doing their utmost. Meanwhile, Liu Liwa, under everyone’s gaze, slowly walked up to the high platform. Miss Liuyun was still slumped on the ground, her face full of sorrow and distress. One moment she was a goddess, the next she became worthless grass, beaten and scolded. That was fate. But this tragic fate had just undergone a small change. And the man who changed her fate was walking toward her step by step with a smile.

Liu Liwa gently helped her up. Liuyun, still shaken and fearful, trembled at his touch. Liu Liwa showed her his big front teeth to signal that he meant no harm. Liuyun wanted to say something, but her throat could only produce hoarse, muffled sounds. Liu Liwa shook his head, indicating she didn’t need to speak, and gently helped her sit to the side. He then sat behind her qin table. Saving the situation was urgent, and he also had to save his own life and Liuyun’s. There was no time to prepare. He picked up the teacup beside him, took a light sip, and suddenly noticed a faint red lip mark on the cup. He smacked his lips—it tasted sweet. He turned his head and saw the usually cool and fairy-like Miss Liuyun blushing deeply.

This was no time for flirtation. Dozens of eyes below were watching him. The slightest misstep could cause Intoxication Pavilion’s business to plummet, and their fate would be unimaginable.

He composed himself, cleared his throat, set the cup down neither lightly nor heavily, and began to narrate slowly: “The story is set in the vast eastern seas, on a long, narrow island nation. The people there lived year-round in primitive conditions, drinking blood and living among wild beasts. Even in such a harsh environment, a pearl was born—a beautiful, intelligent, and gentle girl. Her name was Lanlan… Her life was destined to be extraordinary, destined to be great. She not only brought joy to the people of the island nation but even spread happiness to the hearts of men all over the world. Throughout her life, with heart, emotion, and sweat, she portrayed the transformation of a girl from naive and green to mature and beautiful—such as in ‘Queen Slave’ and ‘Sweet Girl.’ Every stage of her life was a legend. Today, let us step into Lanlan’s wonderful world. First Chapter: ‘Born to Be a Lovestruck Girl’…”