Chapter 42: The Door-Pushing Game

Liu Liwa clenched his teeth, filled with hatred. “Sorry, wrong room!”

As he spoke, Qin Wan’er’s body trembled. She recognized his voice. Instead of staying tense, she relaxed slightly. After all, they shared the same roof and held the title of husband and wife. If he saw something, it was somewhat bearable. But she was still furious. Damn him! She’d just told him yesterday how she and Xinying were being trained in the Madam’s room, and now he barged in today! He definitely did it on purpose!

Wu Liniang let out a cold laugh, staring at Liu Liwa. “Seen enough? Then get lost. I’ll let your trespassing on the Fourth Floor slide today. If you want to tell stories, need people or props, I’ll give you anything. It’s all up to you. But there’s one condition: you must charm that Son of the Vice Minister, make him obsessed with Intoxication Pavilion. Fail, and we’ll punish you for all crimes!”

Damn! Punish for all crimes? He scoffed silently at the Madam forcing innocent girls into this trade, disgusted by her greed. She didn’t even hide her goals. Sure, getting a powerful, well-connected client was great for a pleasure house, but her reaction was way too intense. Did she have a crush on the young master?

Liu Liwa didn’t dwell on it. Befriending the Vice Minister’s heir using the pavilion’s resources could be a huge win for him too. The guy was loaded, spending money freely—maybe he’d even buy Liu Liwa’s freedom if pleased enough. Whatever Wu Liniang’s motives, following her plan now meant everyone benefited.

Still, seeing Qin Wan’er being trained like a puppy twisted his heart. Being a woman was hard; being a woman in a pleasure house? Much worse. He truly wanted to help her, but he himself was waiting for that “punishment for all crimes”—basically out on bail. Freedom, the power to help others… that required wealth first, then influence.

Liu Liwa shut the door, swallowing the bitter feeling. His mood was sour, but Qin Wan’er’s figure, her snow-white back and skin, left a vivid image. As a man, nothing was more hateful than seeing precious things ruined by the unworthy.

Thinking of Qin Wan’er’s jade-like form, Liu Liwa pushed open the very next door without knocking. Why knock? This was a pleasure house. Behind every door lay what men desired.

He wasn’t disappointed this time either. Two long, snowy legs appeared immediately. A pair of white, semi-transparent underpants hung around one ankle, unbearably tempting.

The Fourth Floor was forbidden territory, room doors almost never locked. Liu Liwa was getting his fill.

The occupant was Shen Zuijin, who was rushing back to her room to adjust her underwear. She had just slipped out of her pants when the door flew open. A man! Shen Zuijin froze, then instinctively didn’t grab for her pants but gasped, ready to shriek. Liu Liwa instantly imagined Wang Meng’s murderous, gorilla-like glare. If she yelled, that guy would kill him!

“Don’t yell!” Liu Liwa cut in fast, improvising. “I’m carrying out a task Madam assigned!”

Hearing “Madam,” Shen Zuijin instinctively swallowed her cry. She scrambled into the pink canopy bed behind her and pulled the quilt over herself, her voice shaky. “Miss… What orders from Madam? Is it for me?”

Intoxication Pavilion had a strict hierarchy. Shen Zuijin absolutely believed Liu Liwa wouldn’t dare tread the Fourth Floor without permission. But today was her unluckiest day! He teased her badly while washing clothes, and he must have done something to cause her earlier embarrassment. Now that strange feeling persisted, forcing her to retreat here. Then this nemesis barged in again!

Liu Liwa remained calm, spinning lies to prevent her fury. “Madam didn’t send a message for you. Only told me to do whatever it takes to charm the Son of the Vice Minister.”

“Then why push my door?” Shen Zuijin snapped.

Liu Liwa smiled faintly. “I’m running a test! You know Young Master Ye’s status? Experienced? He’s seen every trick in pleasure houses, bored stiff. Even if Miss Liuyun offered herself willingly, he’d ignore her. If this drags on, how could he adore Intoxication Pavilion?”

Shen Zuijin nodded under the quilt. She knew better than anyone. This Vice Minister’s son lived for pleasure, chasing flowers and willows in Capital City. Raised in privilege, what girl hadn’t he seen? Beauty alone couldn’t move him. Liu Liwa’s unique stories hooked him briefly, but it wasn’t sustainable. Shen Zuijin knew how crucial this Ministry of War heir was to Wu Liniang—hence her desperation.

With no solutions left, Wu Liniang turned to Liu Liwa. But Shen Zuijin didn’t get it: charming the nobleman involved her… how?

Liu Liwa paused dramatically, spinning tales. “Since Young Master Ye ignores all the usual plays, I must innovate. Invent something fresh. Like just now… the ‘Door-Pushing Game’!”

“Door-Pushing Game?” Shen Zuijin sounded astonished.

“Exactly!” Liu Liwa lied smoothly. “Or call it the ‘surprise game.’ Young Master Ye has countless lady-loves. Deliberate flattery? He hates that. But even bored? At heart, he craves women. Especially… unexpected surprises. Accidental temptations. That thrill? Any man understands! This new game—Door-Pushing—I tested personally. Perfect! He’s sure to love it.”

Shen Zuijin felt baffled. “What exactly do you want?”

“Simple!” Liu Liwa grinned. “Later, when guests leave and girls head to their rooms, find several empty ones. Pick girls who know nothing—let them act completely natural. Then Young Master Ye ‘strikes’! Pushes doors open one by one.”

“He’d see… some girls bathing, some changing clothes, some removing makeup… No fake sweet-talk. This is pure, natural surprise! Guaranteed he’ll adore it… Oh, and…” His voice dropped suggestively. “… maybe a girl like you, removing pants to show lovely legs? If Young Master Ye saw that… he’d enjoy it just like I did…”