Chapter 331: Chapter 149: Mr. Chen, Master of Sound! Making You Soar! (6K)
Twilight descended, the sun casting shadows as it tilted westward.
Melody Avenue was already alight with lanterns, carriages and horses moved like dragons along the bustling street, and the flamboyant prostitutes were busy welcoming and sending off guests.
"Oh my, Mr. Qin, you’ve finally arrived! I’ve been thinking about you a lot~"
In the crowd, Chun Lan’s face blossomed with a smile as she swayed her hips to approach a pudgy figure.
"What? Didn’t fill you up yesterday? Little Chun Lan is craving the big pipe again?"
Qin Shou reached out to wrap his arm around her slender waist and gave her rear a squeeze.
Chun Lan’s cheeks flushed red, and she playfully slapped him, saying in a coquettish voice, "Mr. Qin, you’re so wicked, speaking so crudely in public."
"Heh heh, because I am just a crude man."
Qin Shou pulled out a porcelain bottle from his chest, grinning mischievously, "This is an elite Dragon Tiger Pill I spent two months’ salary on. One pill leaves you unchanged; two leave you as firm as stone; three allow even a eunuch to rise to the occasion... Tonight, we’ll see how deep you go."
"You’re so annoying..."
Chun Lan’s legs felt weak as she leaned against Qin Shou, limply and seductively, with eyes as charming as silk and seemingly dripping with moisture.
Just as Qin Shou was impatiently preparing to indulge, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a figure, and his smile froze abruptly.
"Boss?"
"Hmm?"
The two met eyes across the distance.
Chen Mo frowned and said, "It’s not even the end of the shift yet, are you playing hooky?"
Qin Shou twitched his lips awkwardly and said, "Subordinate is just nearby carrying out duties. Besides, it’s too late to return to the government now..."
Chen Mo crossed his arms and sneered, "What duty do you have at the Imperial Music Bureau? Household piping? Population census?"
Qin Shou scratched his head, "Wasn’t it Mr. Chen’s order to have me patrol here at regular intervals?"
?
Chen Mo recalled.
Before the Heavenly Element Martial Examination, there was a conflict between him and two Gu Masters, resulting in their instant execution.
Worried about the Gu God Sect’s persistent threat, coupled with unrest in the city, he had Qin Shou take patrols nearby... It’s already been over a month, and a branch of the Gu God Sect has been wiped out, yet this guy is still "executing his duties" here?
"Sounds like I should commend you?"
Qin Shou replied earnestly, "It’s what a subordinate should do, Mr. Chen’s orders must be enforced thoroughly!"
Chen Mo assessed him, finding it amusing, "Your steps are shaky, your demeanor is listless. Looks like a month of ’patrolling’ has worn you down, Mr. Qin."
"..."
Qin Shou showed a trace of embarrassment.
Hanging around amidst the perfume and powder every day, what man could resist?
After a month, both his body and wallet were nearly drained, otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken out even his treasured Dragon Tiger Pill...
Chen Mo shook his head and flicked his finger, sending a green glow into Qin Shou’s body.
He immediately felt revitalized, energized, ready to fight three hundred rounds!
"Mr. Chen, this is..." Qin Shou looked surprised.
"Essence can only alleviate fatigue but can’t replenish losses."
Chen Mo tossed a piece of silver over, "Buy yourself some Solid Essence Pills to recover, don’t be scurrying about like a weakling. If an emergency arises, you’ll struggle to hold your sword steady."
"Heh heh, thank you, Mr. Chen."
Qin Shou gladly accepted the silver, tucking it into his chest with glee.
The two walked side by side towards The Cloudwater Hall.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Chen, aren’t you also slacking off from work?"
"I’m here to inspect work... Ahem, ’slacking off on the job.’ Any problem with that?"
"No problem..."
Upon arriving at The Cloudwater Hall, they saw numerous carriages parked nearby, each adorned with brocade coverings and painted streamers, exuding opulence.
From inside the tavern, faint sounds of strings and bamboo mixed with the clamor of mingling could be heard.
Two Purple-clothed Guards stood by the door, tall and sturdy like iron towers.
Qin Shou whispered, "Quite a number of guests at The Cloudwater Hall today, coming and going, non-stop all day. Each seems of considerable background, all from prestigious families. Who could warrant such a grand spectacle?"
Seeing the familiar purple-clothed figure, Chen Mo was aware.
He stepped forward, and the two guards moved aside, blocking the path.
"Please stop here."
"The Cloudwater Hall has been reserved today, please go elsewhere for your enjoyment."
Their tone remained polite but carried an undeniable firmness.
Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, "Don’t you recognize me?"
"Hmm?"
The guards furrowed their brows, examining him closely.
Upon realizing who stood before them, their expressions subtly froze.
"Recognized me? Can I go in now?" Chen Mo asked nonchalantly.
The guards exchanged glances and silently made way.
Unable to stop him, it wasn’t worth risking their lives for.
Chen Mo told Qin Shou, "Go find your sweetheart, don’t follow me."
Qin Shou evidently discerned something, grinning cheekily, "Rarely do I come to The Cloudwater Hall for a drink, I can’t miss the chance... Besides, someone has to lend a hand to Mr. Chen, right?"
"You rascal..."
Chen Mo shook his head, saying no more, as he stepped into the tavern.
...
Inside the pavilion, the atmosphere was lively and noisy.
Yu’er wore a scarlet gown adorned with golden-threaded sea anemones, her hair was elegantly styled high, pinned with a jade hair ornament, giving her a dignified bearing unlike a woman of ill repute, rather exuding the poise of a highborn lady.
She sat on stage, fingers gently plucking the strings, producing music like mountain streams, melodious and flowing.
Yet upon closer inspection, her fingers visibly trembled, and her fingertips were already seeping with bright red blood.