Chapter 49: Sadness

Skills decided fate.

Liu Liwa understood Madam’s meaning. The former star attraction, Miss Liuyun, could no longer hold up the show due to her vocal cord nodules. But the earlier form of singing entertainment had been accepted by the guests, so Madam naturally didn’t want to give it up easily. Now, Xiao Xinying had talent and regular, systematic teaching from an expert, making Madam see a rising star on the horizon.

Liu Liwa was also pleased. His unintentional act had temporarily saved Xiao Xinying from exploitation, not stripping naked like Qin Wan’er to be trained.

But upon hearing that Qin Wan’er had cried, Liu Liwa felt very uncomfortable—as if he saw the quirky Qin Wan’er herself before his eyes, with her elegant eyebrows and clear voice, endlessly talking about her fiancée. He pictured her smooth beautiful back, her jade-like figure, yet her face was wet with tears, sad and helpless.

However, what could Liu Liwa do to help? He was powerless now, barely earning by what little bribes the girls gave. Such was the fate of women in the Pleasure House. Looking at how Xiao Xinying seemed groomed as a future star, but Miss Liuyun’s end was starkly clear—Xiao Xinying’s fate…

Forget it—out of sight, out of mind. Liu Liwa had no choice. He sighed heavily and silently spread his bedding on the table. Still in his clothes, he climbed up. Exhausted from the night before and a whole day’s hassles, mentally and physically drained, an early rest meant sleep.

But the moment he lay down, the Xiao Xinying beside him started singing again, heartlessly: “Mmm, ahh, oh my god! Yiyiyaya, yaoqu la…”

Liu Liwa suddenly sat up. This precociously developed Loli, with her sweet and clear voice making such sounds, was almost driving him mad. Meng Xinying practiced her vocal exercises as if no one else was around, seemingly having found her life goal. No matter what Liu Liwa said, she stayed indifferent. In the end, he had no idea what to do. He pulled out a silk handkerchief and used his clever hands to quickly fold a small goldfish, lifelike as could be. He learned that from Yufeng. Though Yufeng wasn’t witty, she was skillful. Her biggest dream was to do nail art in the US, pedicures in the UK, and haircutting in France—all requiring dexterous hands.

“Xinying, take a break! Brother will play with the small goldfish!” Liu Liwa said weakly, holding the goldfish with a forced smile. But it worked instantly—Xiao Xinying rushed over as soon as she saw it. A Loli loving a goldfish? Just natural instinct!

Kids her age had the hardest time focusing. The little girl was curious about the folding game, yet she proved smart and practical—taking bold, careful steps. She unfolded it cautiously, then worked along the creases herself to develop her smarts.

Finally, the little girl quieted down. Liu Liwa, physically tired but mentally exhausted, could rest a bit. He practically fell asleep upon closing his eyes. Not long after, drowsily, he heard sounds again—seemingly Xiao Xinying practicing her vocal exercises. But on closer listening, it wasn’t the joyful sounds rushing toward climax like before. It was more like tears at the peak of happiness, unsure how to express it—like a wailing plea or crying.

Liu Liwa opened his eyes impatiently. All around was pitch-dark. Outside, the young men and women doing laundry and scrubbing chamber pots had gone silent—they usually worked until midnight, so it must be very late. Liu Liwa on the table hadn’t slept soundly at all. Now half-awake and irritated, with eyes burning, the sobbing stopped—as if on purpose to wake him.

He snorted angrily and lazily turned over, pressing one ear hard against the pillow to block noise. But in that instant, he faintly spotted a figure in the dark—two crystalline tears like pearls sliding down her cheeks, almost lighting up her jade-like face. Deep worry creased her elegant eyebrows, holding endless sorrow. One slender hand covered her crimson lips, trying not to make a sound as she endured boundless suffering alone.

Alas… Liu Liwa sighed inwardly. Today’s training had ended, but for a high-born lady like Qin Wan’er, it was a huge disgrace. Tears streamed down her face—unable to confide in anyone, she bore her misery and accepted this awful fate.

Liu Liwa pitied her but felt powerless. Even Shen Zuijin could mess with him easily. Wang Meng met him with hostility, and without the Son of the Vice Minister around, Liu Liwa couldn’t even protect himself. Yet when a friend suffered, though he couldn’t help, he should at least offer true comfort: “A little sadness shows deep feeling, but too much sadness means you’ve yielded to fate, lost faith, and given up fighting!”

Liu Liwa’s voice wasn’t loud, yet in the silent night, it struck Qin Wan’er like thunder. She went from respected young lady to someone available for hire—an enormous shift filling her with resentment, refusal, and rage. But without her sheltering family or powerful father, a weak woman could change nothing. Today, she got stripped to be trained, seen completely by him—thus why she dared not speak, unable to face Liu Liwa…

After saying that, Liu Liwa closed his eyes and slept again. He’d comforted her; change was up to her now.

Qin Wan’er’s heart stayed troubled as she watched Liu Liwa on the table. In the dark, she couldn’t see his face, yet felt his energy and cheer. Similar background, same hardships, yet he faced them daily with a smile—shamelessly mingling for a single room, telling raunchy tales without shame, and enjoying every moment. But he was male, while Qin Wan’er was female… so their fates would differ.

At this thought, Qin Wan’er’s tears slid down again. She pressed her hand tight over her mouth, avoiding any sound. Tomorrow marked her true turning point—how swiftly it arrived, forcing her toward a big, hard choice.

Once, she had a happy family: a kind dad, wise mom, and plenty of servants offering never-ending comfort. Dad served with honors at court, winning the Emperor’s love, bonding with peers, and arranging her marriage to the prime minister’s family. But all crumbled in foolish political shifts—like each ruler bringing new leaders. The one constant: her fiancé survived in sight of her. Now, their distance closed—she could touch his face by bending, move near his body under blankets, and consummate with clothes gone…