Chapter 138: Another Visit

The first episode of “Ladies Listen to the World” at Intoxication Pavilion ended perfectly. It successfully delivered three big messages to the girls. First, the seemingly cold and money-focused leader of Intoxication Pavilion actually had a warm heart and worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Second, it told the girls that even working in a pleasure house, they shouldn’t give up hope. Just like Xiuzhu and Cuiping, everyone had a chance to earn freedom and pursue their own happiness. Third, outside Intoxication Pavilion, the world was stormy and tough; life was harsh and difficult. So, they must truly cherish their hard-won peaceful lives right here.

The moment the show aired, it sparked strong reactions from the audience. Seizing the moment, Liu Liwa repurposed the Leftover Warriors into a paparazzi squad. They each dug up news for an hour every day. Xing Shi was in charge of other pleasure houses. Zi Long tracked the movements of regular customers. Bing He covered major outlets for rouge, face powder, and clothing boutiques. A Sun watched the city gates for important arrivals. Yi Hui took care of everything else and provided backup whenever needed.

These five had high talent. The curiosity burning inside them quickly turned them into expert gossips. Back when they were idle rich kids in the Capital City, their specialty was digging up rumors—Miss Zhang’s affair with a servant, Young Master Li dragging a maid into his room, which concubine was the youngest, which wife had the strongest stamina. In short, being paparazzi was their true calling.

“Brother Xiaoqi, was what you just said true?” The girls crowded around their handsome anchor, eager for close contact. “About Qifeng Lou and Yicui Lou? All true?”

Liu Liwa broke into a cold sweat. See? Truly, most happiness came from others’ misery. He smiled bitterly. “Of course it’s real. News doesn’t lie… whether you believe it or not, I do!”

“Brother Xiaoqi, will you keep telling us about the outside world tomorrow?” Some girls were utterly captivated. They treated news as an essential part of life now—big futures ahead! At the very least, they were destined to become section leaders!

Liu Liwa nodded at once. “Of course. Every day, during our break, there will be half an hour for ‘Ladies Listen to the World.’”

The girls were thrilled. Though, mostly, they just wanted to hear about other pleasure houses’ misfortunes. That truly boosted their happiness.

They chatted awhile, sharing their thoughts on the news. As it got late, the girls scattered to wash up and prepare for nighttime customers. No matter what new things appeared, their reality didn’t change. No one could live in the perfect, happy world described in the news just by enjoying watching it.

Having nothing better to do, Liu Liwa took some leftover meals to the Backyard. Qin Wan’er and the other two women had actually gone to listen to the news as well. It was their only way to learn about the outside world. Each had their own concerns—only Xiuzhu’s marriage left them cold. Even in the pleasure house, marriage seemed like an inevitable expectation. Especially Qin Wan’er. She counted off on her fingers the faults of Wang Erdao. A marriage needed proper matchmakers, the betrothal rituals, and surely a dowry over a thousand taels…

Hearing that, Liu Liwa shrank his neck and quickly vanished. Staying wasn’t an option! Look at her stance! It seemed like she wanted that thousand-tael dowry right now. This woman, truly the daughter of a Ministry of Revenue head—she knew her accounting!

Liu Liwa had just stepped out when he came across the maid who served Wu Liniang. The girl practically acted as a courier now. Strangely, this time her attitude toward Liu Liwa was far more respectful than before. She bowed formally. “Young Master Liu, Miss Zhao has come again. The Madam had me tell you: please receive her.”

Miss Zhao was back. Did she really mean to poach someone? Liu Liwa had a bad feeling about why she came. He dashed into his room, conferring for a long time with Liuyun, Qin Wan’er, and Meng Xinying before emerging. The little maid was practically tapping her foot in impatience.

Liu Liwa gestured for her to lead the way, puffing out his chest as he walked. That one news show hadn’t solidified the girls’ sense of belonging to Intoxication Pavilion. But strangely, Liu Liwa felt more like the master of this place himself.

The moment he entered the main hall, a bizarre sight greeted Liu Liwa. Over forty girls stood in a long line. At the door stood Miss Zhao. One by one, the girls stepped past her. Each paused, curtsied, and said “Thank you.” Miss Zhao had never seen such a grand production. She stood stunned—like she was at her own memorial service.

Girl after girl passed before her, said their thanks, then retreated to their own rooms and firmly shut their doors. Liu Liwa understood. The girls were afraid of punishment. Those upstairs girls who helped Miss Zhao with her fashion show got fined, locked up, nearly banned—a harsh lesson learned. Now, nobody dared act without permission. Especially after watching “Ladies Listen to the World.” The girls understood the importance of obeying the organization.

Miss Zhao stared blankly at row after row of closed doors. She felt utterly abandoned—as if she carried some terrifying disease. Or wait… wasn’t she the one who should be afraid?

Utterly confused, Miss Zhao couldn’t understand it. She kept sending gifts to Intoxication Pavilion! So why this treatment? Just then, Liu Liwa strode forward. Beaming, radiating enthusiasm, he adopted the flirtatious tone the girls used for customers before he even got close. “Ohhhhh! Miss Zhao! You’re here! Here for drinks? Staying the night? Any favorite gentlemen? Never mind! How about me?”

The moment she saw him, Miss Zhao felt her skin crawl. She’d have run away right then if not for her reason for being here. Seeing him charge forward for what seemed like a hearty embrace, she instinctively flicked her wrist. A gleaming silver dagger slid from her sleeve! She tried to threaten him! But in her fluster, she held it backward—the blade pointing right at herself! “Stay back!” she snapped. “Come closer, and I’ll end my life right here!”

“What is this, Miss?” Liu Liwa chuckled. “People come to a pleasure house for fun! Don’t want me? Say so! We’ve plenty of girls here… but gentlemen too, you know. Bound to find someone you fancy.”

Miss Zhao quickly turned the blade outward. Ever since those bandits attacked her, she never went unarmed. “Enough jokes! I’m here on business. Get your Madam out here.”

“Sorry, Miss. The Madam doesn’t take customers.”

“You—I swear I’ll stab you! Believe me?” Miss Zhao gritted her teeth. Instantly, Liu Liwa changed his expression. He sat straight at a table, lifting a teacup. Utterly solemn, all business. “What brings Miss Zhao to Intoxication Pavilion? The Madam has granted me full authority to handle everything.”

Miss Zhao had braced for a fight. His sudden change felt like punching air—nearly cutting herself with her own knife in the process.