Chapter 86: Cooperation

Liu Liwa was completely conquered by Zhao Jiabi’s bare chest and alluring legs. He was pushed to the brink and tasted how frightening a woman could be.

Of course, this woman didn’t act impulsively. She planned every step carefully. Choosing a small brothel steward like him was her backup plan. Since Liu Liwa held no influence, nobody would believe him if he told about what happened. It wouldn’t affect the young lady’s reputation. If they cooperated later and their relationship got out, rumors wouldn’t spread much. After all, the young lady surely wouldn’t fancy a brothel lad. In short, she wouldn’t lose either way.

Naturally, Liu Liwa wasn’t one to suffer quietly. While he might not aim for a huge win, he wouldn’t miss a small gain. So, he stood up formally and said seriously, “I understand you, Miss Zhao. I even appreciate your trust in me. I won’t fail you. I’ll build up the ‘An Luwei’ brand. So it’s just selling clothes, huh? Such distinctive and pretty clothes—the females at the Pleasure House will definitely love them. By the way, Young Miss, what material is this skirt?”

“The style matters, and the materials do too. I picked top-grade silk and brocade,” Miss Zhao declared proudly, showing off her quality wares.

“Really?” Liu Liwa asked, half-doubting it.

“Don’t believe me? Touch it yourself!” Miss Zhao hated being doubted. She made this offer, one men found hard to refuse.

But while she meant the top, Liu Liwa thought the skirt used better material. This led to the wrong direction. Feeling dizzy, Miss Zhao heard Liu Liwa, squatting beside her, praise, “Hmm, truly fine fabric. Smooth and tender—it feels like you could squeeze water out of it!”

Blushing fiercely, Miss Zhao’s eyes burned. She gritted her teeth and spat, “If you pinch any harder, you might squeeze blood out! Get your filthy hands off my leg!”

Liu Liwa trudged away, covered in footprints, with rags stuffed into his nose. Miss Zhao had been riled up and stomped on him twice. His nosebleed had poured too. This young lady was indeed a daring fashion designer, leading trends herself. For example, she wore no underpants—only a loincloth, like in legends.

Liu Liwa first fetched her a proper gown from the Backyard. Then they split up to prepare for that night’s fashion event. Miss Zhao didn’t get much respect from Wu Liniang, though. In the end, Wu Liniang tossed out a large silver note like trash. It covered renting twenty ladies and using all stairways in Intoxication Pavilion for one hour. This rent-by-hour idea came from Liu Liwa. Wu Liniang accepted without questions. Since it was brief and she got paid, she didn’t object. But it couldn’t disturb other guests.

Meanwhile, Liu Liwa found those twenty ladies who took the dresses. He held two big silver taels, feeling wealth for the first time. Paper notes gave cramps to over-numberers; counting silver threatened broken bones.

Those twenty ladies had each snatched a garment from Liu Liwa’s trunk earlier. They hadn’t tried them on yet when he chased them down. At first they feared he was reclaiming the clothes. But the sight of silver made them pounce. The prettier ones thought he’d help pay their freedom. The plainer ones readied their finest talents, hoping to serve him. Yet Liu Liwa had a different demand—he only wanted to see them all change together.

Over twenty ladies changing at once—what a sight! Plump and slim, each blessed in her own way. For silver, these girls didn’t shy back. Some even flaunted their figures at Liu Liwa. After surviving Miss Zhao’s fatal charm, Liu Liwa’s outlook had changed too. He’d rather bite a single divine peach than a whole basket of rotten ones!

For a man? Be harsh with women about it!

Soon, the ladies dressed. Though grabbing clothes had delighted them, wearing them was pure joy. Such outfits would definitely boost their business. Liu Liwa finally saw why Miss Zhao was so bold—it was her nature. Look at the clothes: bare shoulders, exposed backs, skirts slashed to show legs. Was it the tailor’s poor skill or to save fabric? Only the Pleasure House girls and modern red-carpet stars dared wear such things.

“Alright, ladies! I now declare these clothes are yours for good. But to get the silver I hold, you still need to help me. It’s simple—just walk. Of course,” Brother Xiaoqi chuckled, “there are rules for how you walk. Show some shoulder? Sway those hips? Jiggle that flesh? Tilt your head?”

“Brother Xiaoqi, like this?”

Before he finished, the twenty ladies lined up. They paraded past him like a spinning lantern. Shaking where they should, swaying where needed, revealing the parts meant to be bare—it was their core skill, needing no teaching. It all dazzled Liu Liwa’s eyes. He felt like a glutton at a feast—any partner would do.

Liu Liwa then called Miss Liuyun. For a show, he needed lively, powerful music. Her fee would be full. And he gave small coins to Yang Xiaosi and other lads—handling lanterns and stage work. All worked together. With Miss Zhao’s silver paving the way and Wu Liniang’s permission, Intoxication Pavilion’s usual bright lights soon went pitch-black. The atmosphere turned hotter, thicker.

Elsewhere, Lord Zeng and Brother Chun followed Miss Zhao’s order. They gathered friends—old companions, business partners who shared similar tastes. Only folks with status and wealth in Linyu County joined. Crowding together, they made Intoxication Pavilion buzz like a festival special.

Yet the hall was utterly black—no customary red lanterns. Regular visitors found it unsettling. The noise grew, confusion spread. By then, Miss Zhao had settled in a hidden corner. She waited to see how Liu Liwa would surprise her.

No serving girls, no drinks or food, just darkness. Impatience built. Then—a clear, smooth lute note rang out. Everyone quieted. Before their eyes, a soft, vivid glow appeared. Floating like a ghost fire, it glided to the center. Inside they spotted Liu Xiaoqi—recently popular for story-telling. That mood tonight—ghost tales perhaps…