Chapter 96 – Let’s Be Elegantly Filthy (Part 1)
Liu Zhi paused at this point, his expression twisting slightly as he finally managed to utter, “Your mother calls this behavior ‘pretentiousness of a beast in human clothing.’ The men who come to Langlang Lane for pleasure have solid family backgrounds, and surely they have many wives and concubines at home, yet they still prefer to gather in places like this. What do you think their motivation is? It’s not just for the beauty of the ladies but for their talents.”
There are few women who are literate, and even rarer are those who are well-read, talented, and insightful.
These men find a lack of common ground with their wives and concubines at home and struggle to strike up even a single conversation, yet they can find kindred spirits at Langlang Lane, chatting away happily. It’s a satisfaction beyond mere physical intimacy, a feeling that’s hard to understand for those who aren’t of the same ilk.
At first, Liu Zhi thought this reasoning was somewhat sound, but as soon as he voiced this opinion, Gu Min fired back at him furiously.
“Your mother is quite the genius, that insight is spot-on!”
Jiang Pengji agreed, wasn’t it just the pretentiousness of a beast in human clothing causing such chaos?
“Then I suppose the atmosphere at Langlang Lane must be relatively quiet. Why doesn’t Father go there?”
Liu Zhi looked down, saying, “You enjoy lively places; you likely won’t find the atmosphere you like there.”
Jiang Pengji: “…”
【Pudding is Not Pudding】: A father knows his daughter best! Host’s father, I give you a thumbs up!
【Evening Blossom】: Eek! Host’s father is still so cute. There’s always this super harmonious vibe when they’re together, especially when he teases her seriously; I can feel the host’s inner struggle to roll her eyes in the comments!
【Daydreaming Forever】: Hahaha, the host has met her match!
【Weakling】: Blazing bright and hazy! Bet a spicy strip that the host’s inner comments must be a screen full of MDZZ!
Liu Zhi picked a relatively large brothel with a high traffic of customers, humorously named – Welcome Spring Pavilion.
Though Liu Zhi hadn’t been back to Hejian County in years and nobody remembered his appearance, his elegant demeanor paired with an exquisite leather cloak made him stand out in a crowd! He was the kind of person you could spot instantly amidst a sea of faces.
The Madam’s eyes lit up, welcoming them warmly, making Jiang Pengji think of the Tooth Matron she had seen at the Tooth Shop that day.
“Two esteemed guests, please come in.”
The Madam waved a fragrant napkin, while Liu Zhi frowned and stepped back, avoiding her hands that were attempting to cling onto him.
“I need the most beautiful lady here to serve us, and a private room, but keep it quiet.”
Liu Zhi maintained his aloof demeanor, showing none of the frivolity or excitement typical of men seeking pleasure, which puzzled the Madam. Yet, having roamed this realm for years, she had a keen eye; it was clear this noble wasn’t simply here for entertainment.
Thus, the Madam lowered her head slightly, exchanging a knowing glance with the beaming Jiang Pengji.
So the real seeker of pleasure is this one, the Madam hit realization, her heavily made-up face blooming with a smile.
“Rest assured, esteemed guest, everyone knows our ladies at Welcome Spring Pavilion are the best, guaranteed to make the Young Master thoroughly enjoy himself.”
Saying that, the Madam swayed slightly, turning to call over a thin young girl dressed in green to lead the two to a private room.
Though the Madam was over thirty and to this age seemed somewhat past her prime, her walk had a grace that younger women couldn’t mimic, still holding an allure. So… Jiang Pengji watched her leave with keen eyes.
Liu Zhi lowered his head, asking Jiang Pengji with a glance if anything was wrong.
Jiang Pengji fanned herself with a sandalwood fan, hiding her expression, revealing only her smiling brows and eyes.
“That Madam’s gait makes me think of a phrase: swaying with grace.”
Liu Zhi’s lips twitched in response, his expression that of a man who had lost all hope, simply uttering, “Oh.”
Something felt off.
“Please follow me, Young Masters.” The green-clad girl was still quite young, not more than ten, but having lived in such an environment for a long time, she had developed a keen eye for people. Her speech and manners were precise and fitting.
The sound of singing and laughter filled the air, and Jiang Pengji subtly furrowed her brow, slightly dulling her senses to feel more comfortable.
The private room was spacious, and as the green-clad girl pushed open the door, the elegant decor was refreshing to behold.
“This private room truly lives up to its ‘elegant’ name. Please prepare a table of light vegetarian dishes and bring over two jugs of clear wine.” Jiang Pengji surveyed the room and then skillfully seated herself at the square table in the middle of the room, reclining with an air of enjoyment. “By the way, do you have ladies who can sing and entertain?”
【Pudding is Not Pudding】: Bet a spicy strip that the host is definitely an experienced driver! Didn’t you see the despondent look on her father’s face?
This comment echoed Liu Zhi’s inner thoughts. Watching his daughter navigate this place so comfortably without any sign of shyness made his heart race. Could it be that before he returned, she had already been a regular here?
Liu Zhi’s previously calm demeanor suddenly felt off-kilter.
Jiang Pengji noticed the unsaid words in Liu Zhi’s gaze, raising her hand to flip the teacup on the table and pour herself a drink.
“Father, don’t overthink it; it’s my first time here.”
Liu Zhi: “…”
In denial!
Before the father-daughter duo could dive deeper into the subject, a figure kneeling by the door bowed slightly, “Young Master, the ladies have arrived.”
Jiang Pengji boldly declared, “Come in!”
As the door opened, two girls around the age of fifteen or sixteen entered, dressed in lavish attire that didn’t fall short compared to women from wealthy families, followed by four girls with instruments, their hair styled in youthful styles.
The first two boldly sat beside Jiang Pengji and Liu Zhi, one cute and the other radiant, while the latter four sat silently in a corner.
【Host V】: Do you want to pick a tune?
In an instant, numerous titles of seemingly risqué songs flooded the screen.
Jiang Pengji quickly spotted one and turned to the four girls, “Do you know ‘Eighteen Strums’?”
“Poof—”
Even Liu Zhi could barely maintain his composure at that moment, the half-swallowed tea escaping his lips.
The girls who were supposed to sing exchanged glances, their cheeks flushing.
Though this was a place for pleasure and anything went, having Jiang Pengji and Liu Zhi, who both looked poised, was truly rare. While Jiang Pengji appeared youthful, Liu Zhi was in the prime of his charm; just a glance could get one flustered.
Singing such suggestive verses in front of celestial beings like them felt inexplicably shameful.
“You go tend to her; I don’t need anyone here.”
Liu Zhi quickly regained his composure, adjusting his previously disheveled appearance, his expression somewhat displeased.
Once again, he firmly believed that his daughter’s familiar demeanor really wasn’t her first time here!
He wasn’t a good father, incapable of providing proper guidance.
